By Avril Horan

EFFORTS to resolve the watersports ban at Silverstrand have taken a step forward, with growing confidence that a solution could be found by next Spring.

This follows a presentation by the Galway City Watersports Group to members of the Operational Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) this week.

Chairperson of the committee, Cllr Mike Crowe (FF), said he was “hopeful of a resolution as we go into Spring of next year,” with significant progress expected “over the next five to six weeks”.

In the meantime, the ban will remain in force until at least January, when Councillors will receive an update from the Executive at the next SPC meeting.

“It is in everyone’s interest to find a resolution to the problem,” said Cllr Crowe, “as many people are affected by it. I do believe if there is a willingness on both sides, a reasonable solution can be reached.”

The issue has been contentious since early July, when Galway City Council put up signs at Silverstrand banning a range of activities including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and waterskiing.

The move drew significant public backlash and frustration among watersports users, who said there was no consultation and questioned why a blanket ban was necessary.

“We were shocked that banning was the outcome,” a spokesperson for the group said at the time.

“We don’t know of any other Blue Flag beach where watersports are completely banned. Launch zones are common, but blanket bans are disproportionate.”

The Council said the restrictions were needed to keep Blue Flag standards, although Silverstrand has held that status since 2006.

This week’s SPC meeting was the first time since 2021 that the Galway City Watersports Group had the opportunity to present formally to Councillors, despite submitting detailed beach zoning proposals four years ago.

After years of delays, the group says it is encouraged that meaningful engagement has begun.

A spokesperson said the presentation was a key step and that the decision to keep the matter on the January agenda was positive.

They first petitioned the Council in 2021 for an effective beach management and zoning plan, noting that Galway City Council was currently the only local authority along the Wild Atlantic Way without such a system.

These plans would allow for dedicated launch areas, improved access to the water and safe, inclusive use of the city’s beaches.

“Our initial proposals on zoning date back to 2021, and this was the first chance to present to the Council,” the spokesperson said.

“The Councillors felt it was an important enough issue to keep on the agenda, and that is a positive outcome at this stage. There was no expectation they would take down the signs tomorrow. However, this is a wider issue.

“If there is a ban on one beach – at the stroke of a pen – where do watersports enthusiasts go? The Council discussed the possibility of a watersports access launch zone in Salthill, and we would like to see their proposal in that regard.”

The spokesperson also highlighted concerns raised by Councillors about enforcement, noting that it is unusual to see prohibitions displayed without legislation behind them.

“The normal process is for the Council to introduce zoning first and then bring in the byelaws,” the spokesperson said.

“Without byelaws in place, there’s no way to enforce this ban, and that is a valid concern.”

Cllr Clodagh Higgins (FG), who attended the meeting, said the presentation was “comprehensive and constructive” and that several possible solutions are now being explored.

“We’re hopeful that a balanced compromise can be achieved,” she said.

“We look forward to engaging closely with the Executive over the coming weeks to secure an outcome that works for all stakeholders and supports a vibrant, sustainable future for watersports in Galway.”

Cllr Alan Curran (Soc Dem), who is a member of the SPC, said he too was “hopeful that a compromise can be reached after some robust and constructive debate in the Chamber.”

“I’ve suggested we look at seasonal signage where sports such as windsurfing are permitted during certain months when the conditions are ideal, yet during the Summer period of dry weather and busy beaches, such activity may be curtailed or moved to more suitable locations,” he said.

“Other positive suggestions also emerged at the meeting. I’m committed to find a solution to ensure safety at our beaches, and watersports activities than contribute so much to our health and wellbeing, can be maintained.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Kite surfers at Silverstrand: new rules ban watersports there. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.