Pilot makes Galway beaches more accessible

A PILOT scheme launched at various beaches in Galway City will provide better access to people with different abilities and families with buggies.

The initiative providing accessible beach mats at Ballyloughnane and Silverstrand beaches is a collaboration between Galway City Council, Galway Beach Access Group, Galway City Partnership, Tús and the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Day-to-day operation of the mats, subject to tidal and weather conditions, will be managed by Galway City Partnership through the Tús scheme, ensuring that the mats are safely installed and maintained.

Galway City Council has provided the mats, storage units and equipment with demonstrations to the volunteer groups.

A spokesperson for the collaboration, said: “By working together, we are taking a practical step towards making our beaches more welcoming for everyone.

“These mats will make it easier for people with reduced mobility to enjoy Ballyloughnane and Silverstrand.”

The pilot scheme will start in Silverstrand Beach on Tuesday, July 28, and at the Ballyloughnane Beach in early August.

The pilot will run until the end of August 2026, with a regular schedule to be published indicating when the mats will be in place.

It is hoped that successful trial will lead to a longer-term strategy and an expanded programme of accessible beach infrastructure across Galway City.

For details of the timetable, visit: www.GalwayCity.ie.