Safety concerns block Coosan Point being 'designated bathing area'

Concerns about the safety of Coosan Point, Athlone, for bathing were aired at a recent sub-committee meeting of Westmeath County Council.

The meeting of the Westmeath Environment Strategic Policy Committee heard that Coosan Point had been turned down as a designated bathing area because it was deemed unsafe. An Irish Water Safety auditor deemed that there was “way too much conflict going on there” for it to be safe for bathing, senior engineer, Ciaran Jordan reported.

Local councillor Louise Heavin urged that it must be made safe because people are swimming there. She also asked if Portnaneena at Glasson could be included among the designated bathing areas.

Mr Jordan said there were a number of issues regarding Coosan, but the main one was safety. He added that submissions for inclusion of areas close on June 9 and if Portnaneena is put forward before that date it will be considered.

The three designated bathing areas in the county are The Cut, Lough Lene, Portnashangan, Lough Owel, and Lilliput, Lough Ennell.

Cllr Tom Farrell, chairman, asked that work be done to have Coosan included. He said it was great to see the other three approved, particularly Lilliput “coming back”.

Cllr Paddy Hill said The Cut “is a very important bathing area in our neck of the woods” with thousands visiting it in the summer. He paid tribute to the council staff for keeping it in such prime condition.