Local farmer and fisherman Joachim McNulty (64) was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene on February 18 after his vehicle lost traction on the algae-covered surface and went into the sea
Joachim McNulty, Belderrig, Ballina, Co Mayo
A grieving family has called for urgent safety improvements at Belderrig Pier in Co Mayo following the death of a man whose car entered the water after reportedly slipping on moss on the pier’s slipway.
Local farmer and fisherman Joachim McNulty (64) was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene on February 18 after his vehicle lost traction on the algae-covered surface and went into the sea.
Now, according to his heartbroken daughter Joanna, who does not want her beloved dad’s death to be in vain, the slipway remains covered in visible moss and algae more than two weeks after the tragedy that claimed his life. Joanna says this is the same hazard that led to the fatal accident.
In a public statement on Facebook, which Joanna has given us permission to use, she described the final moments before the incident.
Belderrig Pier in Co Mayo
Heartbroken, Joanna said her dad phoned her mother Geraldine to tell her sadly he had “not long left.”
Joanna said her heartbroken family then had to “endure the unimaginable experience of waiting almost four hours while emergency services worked to recover his car and bring him home to us.”
“During that time we had to stand by helplessly and watch the waves toss his car around in the water,” Joanna said in her statement.
She said her dad “fought hard to get out” of the vehicle.
She said evidence at the scene suggested her dad tried to escape the vehicle.
Joanna said the handbrake had been pulled fully and his arm was badly bruised, indicating he attempted to open the door before the car submerged.
Joachim’s grieving family is now urging authorities to introduce stronger safety measures at the pier to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Belderrig Pier, Co Mayo
Local councillor Michael Loftus, who attended the scene that night as part of the Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club, confirmed to Joanna that he will bring a motion before Mayo County Council calling for a structured and fully-funded maintenance and cleaning programme for piers and slipways across the county.
Meanwhile, Joanna said she has spoken with Senator Mark Duff, who is calling for safety barriers to be installed at the pier.
Joanna believes that while regular cleaning is essential, algae and moss can quickly build up again, making physical barriers an important additional safety measure.
Joanna thanked both representatives for their support but said further action is needed.
She is now asking the council and local representatives to ensure safety measures are implemented without delay, warning that other families could face similar tragedies if hazards at public piers are not properly addressed.
“No family should ever have to go through what ours has endured,” she said. “My father cannot have lost his life in vain.”
The family encouraged the public to share their concerns to raise awareness and bring attention to the issue.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Joanna spoke fondly of her late dad: “I am his only daughter and he has one granddaughter whom he adored.
“He farmed and fished all his life. He was an incredibly hard worker. We enjoyed attending shows together with our pedigree Swaledale sheep.”
Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.