It’s hoped newly-drafted legislation will prevent an iconic monastic settlement in Clare from becoming a place of “mischief”.
Local elected representatives in the east of the county have signed off on proposed bye-laws going out for public consultation amid concerns over anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Inis Cealtra.
Presented to members of Killaloe Municipal District at a special meeting this week, the Draft Inis Cealtra and Knockaphort Pier Bye-laws are intended to give the local authority a legal recourse when issues arise at the two locations.
The proposed legislation has been put together following complaints around illegal camping, littering and the lighting of fires on the island, as well as unauthorised parking at the pier.
Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan says the laws will give the county somewhere to turn, when incidents such as these occur.
Having been approved by elected members this week, the bye-laws will go to public consultation on the 26th of this month until April 6th.
Pending this process, they’ll be adopted on July 1st.
The move follows the long-anticipated opening of the €4.3 million Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience last year.
Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke believes in this context, the island and its surrounds must be protected.
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