Calls for safer access for young anglers at Butlers Bridge

Safety improvements for anglers at Butlers Bridge near Mullingar are being sought following concerns about the number of young people fishing along the riverbank in what councillors described as unsafe conditions.

The issue was raised by Cllr Aoife Davitt at the May meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, where she called for the installation of designated fishing spots or perches along the bank at Butlers Bridge.

In response, council officials said that, subject to members’ agreement, a letter could be sent to Inland Fisheries Ireland requesting the installation of fishing perches and related facilities at the location.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Davitt said the area is heavily overgrown and currently lacks safe access for the growing number of people using it for fishing.

She said angling appears to be enjoying a resurgence among teenagers and younger children and warned that the current conditions along the bank pose significant safety concerns.

“There are huge numbers going out there,” she said. “I would be very worried if that was my child that’s gone fishing in this area.”

The councillor suggested that a section of the bank could be cleared and fitted with simple seating or fishing perches similar to facilities installed in areas such as the Blueway Hub at Grange.

She also expressed concern about children fishing close to the water without proper access, lighting or safety infrastructure.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Niall Gaffney described fishing as one of Mullingar’s strongest natural amenities and stressed the importance of water safety education for young anglers. “The first thing that people need to learn about fishing is water safety,” he said.

He referenced longstanding water safety campaigns around canals and waterways and said any future project should also include awareness and safety messaging.

Cllr Emily Wallace also supported the proposal and pointed to existing numbered fishing stands at Kilpatrick Bridge as an example that could be replicated at Butlers Bridge.

She said it was encouraging to see young people spending time outdoors fishing rather than engaging in anti-social behaviour, but warned that safety risks remain, particularly for teenagers fishing alone.

“The worry is if, God forbid, anything should happen,” she said. She also suggested local fishing groups and schools could work together to provide training and education on fishing and water safety.

Closing the discussion, Cllr Davitt said children should be encouraged to engage safely with waterways and outdoor recreation rather than discouraged from using them altogether. She said the proposal offered an opportunity to promote both outdoor activity and water safety awareness together.