SOS ON ISLAND CABLE CAR
April 3 1996
French engineers to study Inishbiggle access crux
By TOM GILLESPIE
FRENCH EXPERTS have been called in to provide a lifeline to a dying Co. Mayo island community. They will prepare a blueprint for the erection of a cable car between the mainland and Inishbiggle off Achill Island.
It will span a 400-yard treacherous inlet which is noted for its dangerous currents. The twenty-four families on the outpost must now cross it in open currach's, a practice which is deemed illegal by the Department of the Marine.The cable car plan has been on the cards for the past ten years but now with the formation of a co-operative on Inishbiggle it will be pursued at the highest level. A general meeting of the group unanimously decided to go "all out" for the cable car link, as access to the island is their number one priority.
Mr. Pó l Ó Foighil, secretary to the co-op, said representatives from the French company, Poma, one of the world's largest cable car manufactures, would visit the island in thirteen days time.
He said: "They will carry out a detailed survey of both sides of the proposed area. They will come back to us with sufficient data, maps and plans. They are to report back within two months."
Mr Ó Foighil said they would then seek planning permission from Mayo County Council for the cable car and for a foreshore licence.
The initial feasibility study would cost between £8,000 and £10,000. The co-op had applied to Udaras na Gaeltachta for grant aid in this regard.
He added: "We propose to look for the money for the cable car project from seven or eight different sources, mainly the Departments of the Gaeltachta and Tourism and for portion the £1m allocation for island development."
Members of the co-op met with Mayo County Council last week and outlined to them the urgent works that are required on the island.
Mr Ó Foighil said: " We have set out an agenda with the County Council. We have drawn up a list of priorities that have to be done on the island and access is number one."
He said it was their hope that the cable car would be in operation within the next twelve months.
Connaught Telegraph - News - April 1996
