New lease of life proposed for beached whale haunting West Waterford council
An example of a dry whale skeleton on display. Stock Image.
A new lease of life has been suggested for the Clonea Beach whale that has haunted Waterford City and County Council since January.
The disposal of the whale has been raised at almost every sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council since the animal became beached at the start of the year, with the council saying they cannot get access with the machines.
And the September meeting was no different, but an alternative plan has been floated.
Councillor Joe O’Riordan told his colleagues and council officials that he would like to see the fin whale on display.
“Only one mammal bigger has ever existed.
"I just think it’s a fantastic thing to have near the quay or beside the castle in that green area to have this magnificent mammal which is just a stone’s throw away from us, their breeding grounds and feeding grounds,” said Cllr O’Riordan.
Cllr O’Riordan said he was approached by a man with a plan.
The carcass would be stripped and the bones removed from the beach.
The skeleton would then be bleached and put back together.
Cllr O’Riordan said the individual wants to give the whale to the town as a display piece, and there would be very little cost to the council.
And the landowner where the carcass currently lies is on board.
“So I basically wanted to know what the general kind of thinking about it. Is it feasible,” said Cllr O’Riordan.
Cllr Thomas Phelan said he supported the idea.
But he would also like the council to consult with Cork County Council on how they were disposing of the large whale washed up recently.
The disposal of the whale falls under the roads department.
Director of Roads Gabriel Hynes said that he has little knowledge of the process of preparing the whale for display, but said he would take guidance on the matter.
But he said that outside of that suggestion, the council’s position on disposing of the carcass had not changed.
“The location of the whale when it becomes beached determines the options you have. In relation to Clonea, access is very poor.
"It wasn’t possible for us to remove it,” said Mr Hynes.
