Loughrea councillors seek credit where they think it’s due

Local public representatives have requested that any advertisement for a casual trading licence at Long Point in Loughrea clearly state that the initiative was driven locally.

The call comes amid claims that a Member of the Oireachtas is attempting to take credit for the project.

The issue was raised at a meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District, where Independent Ireland councillor Declan Kelly said it was essential to ‘put the record straight’ once the licence is finalised and publicly advertised.

“When this comes to fruition and is advertised, it should be pointed out that this was a locally led initiative,” Cllr Kelly told the meeting.

“This did not emanate from Dublin, and the record needs to be put straight on who is doing what.”

Discussions around casual trading at Long Point have been ongoing for some time.

At the meeting, Cllr Michael Regan (FF) sought clarity on when the licence process would be completed and publicly advertised.

Facilities at Long Point are set to open year-round after Galway County Council confirmed it will go to tender for a mobile coffee unit at the popular swimming spot.

Under the proposed arrangement, the successful operator would be responsible for opening, closing, cleaning and maintaining the toilets and changing facilities throughout the year, in lieu of any payment to the Council.

This is expected to save between €50,000 and €100,000 annually, according to Cllr Regan, who welcomed the move and described it as a “win-win” for the community.

“This is fantastic news for everyone who uses Long Point,” he said previously.

“People swim there all year round, and there’s been huge frustration that the facilities were only open from May to September. It was high time something was done.”

Traditionally, toilets and changing areas were only available during the Blue Flag season from late May to September.

In recent years, the Council tried limited off-season openings of the accessible toilets, but these were conducted on an ad-hoc basis due to staffing constraints.

The inconsistent access led to public frustration and the arrangement was not continued in 2025.

Cllr Regan noted that when the facilities closed last autumn, many visitors were left without basic amenities.

“It wasn’t acceptable,” he said. “Now we’ll finally have a solution that works for everyone.”

The exact location of the mobile unit has yet to be confirmed but may be situated near the car park or the existing toilet and changing facilities.

Cllr Regan also urged members of the public to respect the amenities, noting that vandalism has posed challenges at the site in the past.

Significant improvements have been made at Long Point in recent years, including improved access, more accessible parking spaces, extra bicycle parking, extended public lighting, solar-powered compacting bins, new seating and picnic tables, and the installation of a water bottle refill station.

“This is a simple, sustainable solution that meets the needs of the community and saves the Council money,” he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Independent Ireland councillor Declan Kelly