*Kilbaha village || Inset: Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG)
ADDITIONAL public lighting could be installed at Kilbaha Pier as part of a Clare County Council funding application next year.
The latest request comes as the council is also progressing the process of taking the road leading from the R487 to Kilbaha Pier in charge, following a proposal backed by councillors in July last.
The issue was raised by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) at the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.
Cllr Keating called for additional public lighting to be installed at the pier, citing concerns raised nationally by Customs officials about activity at small harbours and piers, as well as the need to improve safety, security and visibility.
In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Alan Kennelly said Clare County Council applies annually for funding under the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme (LAMIS) for pier and harbour improvement projects.
The scheme is intended to modernise, repair and future-proof publicly owned coastal infrastructure serving Ireland’s maritime communities.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine co-funds up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs, with the remaining 25 per cent to be provided by Clare County Council.
Mr Kennelly said additional lighting at Kilbaha Pier could be eligible for LAMIS funding where it constituted essential structural safety lighting and was physically located on the pier infrastructure itself.
“Subject to the eligibility criteria of the scheme and the availability of funding, the West Clare Municipal District will consider including a proposal for additional lighting at Kilbaha Pier in its 2027 LAMIS funding application,” he said.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Keating said he looked forward to the additional lighting.
Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) asked how the funding scheme worked and was subsequently informed that projects could receive up to €250,000.
Cllr McInerney formally seconded the motion.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
