We have detailed a proposal for managing Silver Strand beach

Beach Management Proposal to facilitate Swimmers, Windsurfers and other Special User Groups at Silver Strand >

which you can download and view in detail. We have some extracts below.

Silver Strand

Silver Strand beach is a fantastic amenity on the edge of Galway city and is enjoyed by many people both on and off the water. In addition to swimmers and walkers, it is the premier city based windsurfing location on the West coast of Ireland and is used regularly by a large group of local windsurfers and visitors which include current and past national windsurfing champions.

Traditionally, windsurfers would have sailed from Salthill beaches but due to the volume and consideration for swimmers, the local windsurfing community have avoided sailing along the promenade.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing has evolved as a sport over the decades since the 1970s and there continues to be a strong interest in the sport in the city and county of Galway to the present day. It is an Olympic sport and Galway has produced some current and past national champions in the Wave and Slalom disciplines and have competed internationally. There are considerable numbers of people, of varying ability, involved in the city and county of Galway.

Proposal

We propose zoning Silver Strand beach for the safety and fairness to all beach users, in line with best practices put in place by local authorities at other popular beaches around Ireland including:

  • Downings Beach by Donegal County Council

  • Bettystown/Laytown beach by Meath County Council

Additionally, we believe that other facilities and safety measures at Silver Strand should be developed and maintained including:

  • Traffic Management Plan & Car Park Access

  • Rock Armor Protection & Safe Beach Access

  • Shower Facilities

Engagement

The Galway City Watersports club would welcome the opportunity to meet with the relevant teams and stakeholders at City and County Council to discuss this document and to better understand the plans for this fantastic amenity.