More than 2,000 signatures have been secured on a new online petition calling on Mayo County Council not to proceed with the Keem Bay ‘Signature Discovery Point’.

The petition to the local authority was started by a group/ individual calling themselves  “Achill Island”

The petition reads, in part -  this is a petition to save Keem Bay from disastrous further development …Over the last few years there have been plans developed to install infrastructure in the Keem Bay ‘Signature Discovery Point’. This plan includes pathways up the mountain and a development up the top.

There is no doubt that these works would cause untold damage, both visually and physically, to Keem Bay.

Keem has regularly been voted most beautiful beach in Ireland, as well as one of the top 3 beaches in the world. It is the main attraction on Achill, no man-made structure will improve on this and digging a path into the mountain will destroy it.

The proposed works include: Glass walkway protruding over the cliff  

The petition goes on to say what this group wants - We want NO damaging construction works in Keem Bay and a commitment from the council that widespread and thorough public consultation will occur over the use of funding.

There are endless ways that funding could be used in Achill to improve the experience of both visitors and residents. The wider community feels that this ‘like it or lump it’ approach to funding, whereby we have to accept the destruction of Keem Bay or we cannot access funding is unfair and unacceptable.

Some suggestions include, but are not limited to:

-         Redirecting the funds for safe drinking water for residents & tourists alike

-         Developing the site at the top of Minaun, which is underdeveloped and already has a road leading up to it & ample parking, making it accessible for all users – the elderly, disabled and children 

The public is then asked to sign your name and share this petition to support and protect Keem Bay.