Quay Street ‘ Malbeck’ wreck to be removed
REMOVING an old boat wreck off Quay Street in the city centre would open up the area for a swimming and boating point.
The Council has agreed to help the ‘ Metal Mariners’ group of sailors get the ‘ Malbeck’ boat wreck moved.
The ‘ Malbeck’ was used to take cargo off ships at Rosses Point and bring them up to Quay Street for unloading. It was abandoned in the 1960’ s and sunk off Quay Street where it’s now only visible at low tide.
Brian Armstrong of the Metal Mariners said if it was removed the area could be used as a high water swimming area as the water is now very clean in Sligo port thanks to upgrades in Sligo’s water treatment systems.
The Department of Heritage have given the idea their blessing but several conditions must be met firstly. The boat must be recorded with any interesting information about its construction extracted and noted.
“The benefits of moving it greatly outweigh the benefits of leaving it there,” said Brian Armstrong.
Once the wreck is removed, a floating pontoon could be in- stalled to accommodate mooring of smaller boats and vessels.
Cllr Tom MacSharry’s motion calling on the Council to assess the possibility of moving the wreck was unanimously passed.
“This proposal when it does come to fruition where you could moor small boats on Quay Street would be a wonderful attribute for tourism,” he said.
He was seconded by Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady.
Director of Services Tom Kilfeather agreed to “advance” the project.
It is an objective of the Council to create a public square or park on the existing site of Quay Street car park and the removal of the wreck ties in with that.
The Metal Mariners have to prepare an archaeological report, apply for a foreshore licence and tender for the wreck to be hauled up and dismantled.