Salthill is to get a facelift with news of a total refurbishment of the diving tower at Blackrock - a well-known landmark in the seaside resort.

It is to be undertaken by Galway City Council amid claims that the 60-years-old structure has become an 'eyesore' following two of the harshest winters in memory.

However, Galway Council has ruled out calls for the tower to be repainted ahead of the peak tourist season as a spokesman claimed this would only be "papering over the cracks" of the concrete structure, opting instead for a full revamp of the tower.

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This had been on the cards for some time and an upgrade was part of a €100,000 allocation for repairs due to be carried out late last year after winter conditions damaged the concrete over successive severe years so that such short-term measures to paint it would have no long-term benefits.

The bathing area was instead closed off in the first few weeks of the 2011 and significant improvement works carried out to the dressing rooms, but due to the particularly harsh weather in January, the upgrade to the tower itself was not included in the project.

Now, tenders will be invited for the tower to be stripped down and treated after six decades of wear and tear, as just painting it would only 'gloss over' the real problem of damage to the concrete caused by the elements.

"We have to go to procurement on it. We also intend to carry outwork on the existing structure at Silver Strand," a spokesman told The Connacht Sentinel.

(BMcC/GK)