Clare County Council today announced that work would shortly commence on a permanent lifeguard station at Lahinch Promenade. The news follows the signing of a EUR234k contract between the local authority and Ballinasloe-based contractor Mota Engil Ireland Construction Ltd. “A permanent lifeguard station will be of great benefit to swimmers, surfers and all beach users”, explained Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Patricia McCarthy.
She added, “Lahinch is now a very popular resort for surfers and Clare County Council is determined to further improve services for all users. The provision of a permanent lifeguard station is a key first element of the proposed infrastructural improvements to the popular Blue Flag beach.”
Mr. Liam Griffin, Civil Defence and Water Safety Officer with Clare County Council, described the contract signing as a significant moment in the overall development of facilities at Lahinch.
He added that the new station would significantly increase lifeguard effectiveness and water safety at one of Ireland’s most popular beaches.
“I would hope that the provision of a new permanent lifeguard station in Lahinch would act as a precursor for the upgrading of other beaches along the Clare coastline. The ongoing improvement of beaches helps boost the local tourism industry”, continued Mr. Griffin.
He confirmed that work on the new lifeguard station would get underway by the end of the month. Meanwhile, a number of other developments are currently at design stage and will culminate in the preparation of an overall masterplan for the beach and promenade at Lahinch.
The masterplan will feature a lifeguard station, a new services building incorporating toilets and showers, and improvements in traffic management and car parking. It is also expected that the plan will identify a site for a children's playground, upgrade existing facilities on the promenade by improving street furniture and lighting, and outline proposals to improve access to the beach by repairing ramps and steps.
Clare County Council is proposing to have meetings with the key stakeholders in the near future. During the peak summer period of July and August, there are four full-time lifeguards on duty at Lahinch. The town itself continues to be among the West of Ireland’s most visited seaside resorts.
IMAGE: Pictured at the contract signing for the construction of a permanent Lifeguard Station and associated site works at Lahinch Promenade, Lahinch, Co. Clare, were from left to right (seated) David Timlin, Director of Services, Housing, Clare County Council; Cllr. Patricia McCarthy, Mayor of Clare; Tom O'Connor and Miguel Dentinho, MEIC Ltd Contractors; Carmel Greene, Finance Department, Clare County Council. Standing from Left to right - Caimin Dillon, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council; Peter O'Donnell, Malachy Walsh and Partners; and Liam Griffin, Civil Defence and Water Safety Officer, Clare County Council. Pic by Ger Leddin
