Bundoran fisherman's appeal to drivers blocking West End Quay access

A Bundoran lobster fisherman, Sean Carty, has criticised people who are using the local west end boat quay as a parking lot and especially at weekends.

Sean, a member of the old town council and whose family have been involved in the local fishing industry for generations said:

“This photo was taken from the door of the lifeboat station on Bundoran boat quay on Sunday. 

“We are getting sick of asking people not to block the fisherman's yard, the lifeboat station and indeed the pier itself. 

“If we need to urgently take a boat out of the water or even just bring bait or gear to the boats it is impossible in these conditions. 

“That is not to mention the fact that this also blocks the lifeboat from getting pulled out of the station when it's needed. 

He appealed to those that parking on the Quay and pier:

“For the last time, can people using the pier that aren't working there please park in the carpark at the top of the hill and walk down. The quay itself and the yard are working areas that need to be kept clear. 

“It is great to see people swimming, walking and kayaking ect and we welcome this but please respect the lifeboat and the fishermen. Drop your gear and then go to the carpark and walk back.”

Daimon Fergus, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager told DonegalLive/Donegal Democrat:

"We don’t want to discourage people from using the pier as it is enjoyed by many who come to swim, canoe or fish for example.

"We would however ask visitors to please be mindful that Bundoran RNLI runs a 24-hour lifesaving service and when the pagers go off and there is an incident at sea, our volunteers will be called upon to launch the lifeboat in minutes.

"We would ask people to instead consider availing of the alternative nearby free parking at the West End playground above Boat Quay."

Another person, who has a boat at the pier added to Sean's initial comments and posted:

“I'm continuously putting back up the barriers in front of the boats which the sign says please don't park in front of these gates.

"The commercial fishermen must be able to launch and retrieve their boats unhindered, but lately someone keeps removing the barriers and throwing them to the side, maybe the lifeboat cameras can pick this up and let us know who's responsible for this.”