Members of Mayo County Council have warmly welcomed the new artificial reef in Killala Bay created through the sinking of the MV Shingle, with the location reported to be proving attractive to new sea life as well as deep-sea divers and tourists.
Tributes were extended to councillor Michael Loftus by his colleagues at the October meeting of the authority for his perseverance in realising the project.
Councillor Annie Mayo Reape said it was the first official Irish artificial reef and is “a magnificent sight just to see”.
She added that she hoped the amenity would be well promoted in order to ensure its success as a new tourist attraction for Mayo.
Mr Loftus thanked members for the tributes and said the success of the project was down to all committee members, adding: “People have watched the video of the sinking of the ship all around the world and the North Mayo tourism group has already recorded 2.6m hits, so this just tells you the excitement created as well as the PR it is providing for Mayo and Sligo.
“Last week, there were over 100 dolphins in Killala Bay feeding on the fish life that has come to the area of the MV Shingle. Now we hope that all the work done will bring income and employment back to our areas.”