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Permission has been granted for the restoration of open sea diving at Fenit, Co Kerry, Ireland’s westernmost commercial port, heralding the return of an activity that has thrilled generations of locals.
The golden age of diving began 100 years ago in the port city just 7 miles west of Tralee.
But diving at Fenit closed nearly 20 years ago after a claim against the former Tralee swim club, and it remained closed after concerns from the council, the slip’s owners, about health and safety.
However, the memory of those days persisted and a book by Billy Ryle, a member of the restoration committee created three years ago, captured the story.
The intense campaign to bring diving back to Fenit focused on the revival as well as the tourist value of the outdoor trampolines on the Atlantic coastal route and the development of sports facilities in what is a deep-sea port. as well as entertainment and boating venues in Tralee Bay.
After studying trampolines in Kilkee, Co Clare, the Fenit Development Association proposals included two trampolines, 2m and 3.5m high, at Fenit moorings.
There has also been extensive consultation with Irish Water and other water related activities authorities.
The highest springboard will be allowed, but the lower platform is omitted under the conditions and amendments.
Other amendments include the provision of an additional ladder on the east side of the upper deck.
There will be around three hours of diving time at high tides at depths of almost four meters in the open sea.
The permit includes the modification of existing concrete structures, the construction of new springboards, walkways and access platforms, as well as handrails for people leaving the sea.
The dive base will not be in the original location after the council ruled it out due to the shallow sea at that location.
The Kerry County Council approved the plans in 2019. However, the decision was appealed by third parties, including the Tralee Bay Swim Club.
The club supports trampoline restoration at Fenit, but wanted a simpler design that wouldn’t intrude on views of Tralee Bay or cast a shadow on a sun trap on the bathroom slip.
Fenit Development Association president Mike O’Neill said he was looking forward to studying the conditions, but after “three years of hard work” his members were delighted.
They had consulted extensively and adhered to the strict current guidelines for diving facilities. “This was something worth fighting for,” he said.
The plans had to be strong and comprehensive enough for “the next 50 years,” he said. “We are delighted. This will be for people all over Kerry,” O’Neill said.
The next step would be the difficult one to raise funds and he hoped the project would go out to tender soon.
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