Clare County Council has confirmed that boats can be launched from the slipway at White Strand in Miltown Malbay following confusion over alleged changes to area bye-laws.

Local boaters had contacted Afloat.ie to express concern over claims that the slipway the community have used for generations was suddenly closed to power craft without consultation.

“There’s uproar in the local community to say the least,” said one local. “It’s been a public right of access for boats for generations and the only one the village has.”

Beach bye-laws available from the Clare County Council website make no reference to any recent change prohibiting launches of power craft from White Strand.

When contacted for a response, Clare County Council made clear that the local community has no current cause for concern and may launch and retrieve from the slipway as usual.

“Clare County Council is currently reviewing the process of the new bye law amendments,” it said. “While this administrative/legal review takes place, the 2016 beach bye laws will be reverted to, allowing the launch of boats at the slipway at White Strand.”

Thousands of visitors are expected in the west Clare town of Miltown Malbay for the Cold Pro surf and music festival on the June bank holiday weekend.

The Irish Examiner reports that Imelda May, Peter Hook (New Order) and Jamie xx are among the acts signed up for the two-day event, which will feature live music across three stages - as well as an invitational surfing tournament with €20,000 in prize money up for grabs.

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.