Pictured at the launch of the project to revamp the duck pond in Ballina’s Belleek Woods last week were, from left: Tom Carolan, Community Water Fund; Michael Donnellan, Coillte; Jonathan Martin, Chairperson of RMSAR; Cynthia Clampett, Chairperson of Belleek Woods Enhancement Committee; Colin Reynolds, Ballina Beverages and John McGowan, Plant Manager of Ballina Beverages.

A novel project was launched last week geared at improving water quality at a much-loved Co Mayo recreational area.

The Belleek Duck Pond upgrade initiative in Ballina is being spearheaded by the River Moy Search and Rescue Group working in conjunction with The Belleek Woods Enhancement Committee, Ballina Lions Club, Coillte, Ballina Beverages, North East Mayo LEADER, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Mayo County Council and The Community and Water Fund 2020.

Extensive testing of the pond water has already established that it is of sufficient quality to support fish life as well as the resident ducks.

Some intervention is required, however, to prevent recurrent extensive algae blooms and so some of the project partners have brought in JBA Consultancy Ltd, to undertake extensive studies.

The initiative is being facilitated thanks to financial support of €42,000 from Ballina Beverages, €4,000 from The Community Water Fund 2020, and €3,000 from Mayo County Council.

River Moy Search and Rescue is also very grateful to Complete Laboratory Solutions from Galway for the scientific analysis of the pond water to date.

You can donate €2 towards the work of the River Moy Search and Rescue by texting the word ‘Moy’ to 50300 (€1.80 of your donation goes directly to the charity).