Sea change as open air diving to return in Kerry town
Updated / Monday, 28 Dec 2020
17:19
There will be around three hours of diving time at high tides in Fenit
Permission has been granted for the restoration of open sea diving at Fenit, Co Kerry - the most westerly commercial port in Ireland – heralding the return of an activity that has thrilled generations of local people.
A golden age of diving began 100 years ago in the harbour town just 11kms west of Tralee..
But diving in Fenit shut down almost 20 years ago after a claim against the old Tralee swimming club, and remained shut after concerns by the council - owners of the slip - about health and safety .
Planning permission has been granted for new diving boards in Fenit.
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the development at Fenit subject to five conditions.
Kerry County Council granted permission, subject to three conditions to Fenit Development Association to modify the existing concrete structures and build two new diving boards at Fenit Bathing Slips.
The development includes access platforms, railings and associated services.
This was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Tralee Bay Swimming Club and others; who stated they are in favour of the reinstatement of the diving boards but only by means of much simpler and less destructive and intrusive alternatives.