Public urged to raise watersports ban at Silverstrand Beach with candidates

Members of the public are being encouraged to raise the issue of the watersports ban at Silverstrand Beach with all election candidates.

The ban is on more intense activities like windsurfing, kite-surfing and jet-skis - but not smaller impact activities like paddle boarding and kayaking.

Galway City Council says the ban in place is in the interest of public safety given the beach is only 200m long and used by the vast majority of visitors for swimming.

But Galway City Watersports says there should be a proper zoning plan with a dedicated launch area to accommodate everyone safely.

An online petition has now reached more than 1,600 signatures - and the public are being asked to raise the issue with all election candidates.