#Spiddal - Storm damage works at Spiddal Pier on Galway Bay have been branded "environmental vandalism" by locals, as The Irish Times reports.
Following a community request to Galway City Council after the series of storms that slammed the Atlantic coast a year ago, remedial works were undertaken at the 'Nimmo's pier' at An tSeancéibh, not far from where the remains of an ancient 'drowned' forest were uncovered.
But these works – which involved an extension of the original pier designed by Alexander Nimmo as well as significant dredging in the harbour – have been described as "unsightly" and even "hazardous" for small craft.
That's according to local activist Seán Ó Coistealbha, who also says an important lugworm bed was "destroyed" by the dredging with no prior consultation.
However, the council claims its works were necessary to repair "very extensive" damage at the pier head "and make it safe for tSeancéibh users and the general public".
The Irish Times has much more on the story HERE.