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Plane sailing
Almost there: Boeing 767 has just about landed ashore in Sligo
The move was delayed due to wind and tide issues.
Updated at 8.10pm
A DISUSED BOEING 767 has just about landed at Enniscrone beach in Sligo, after a long journey from Shannon Airport.
The plane will need to be hauled ashore before being transported to its final resting place – a new glamping village.
Huge crowds turned out at the beach to watch the plane make the final stages of its journey.
Mayo undertaker David McGowan’s plan to make the plane the centrepiece of his glamping village has captured the imaginations of people all over the country.
Crowds have been on the local beach since early this morning to watch the plane come to shore. It is being transported by a barge and tug boat.
(You can watch a livestream of the move above.)
The plane was due to reach land this morning, but the decision was made to wait until later today when it’s hoped the tide and wind will be more favourable.
Speaking on the Anton Savage Show on Today FM, McGowan said the barge weighs 450 tonnes and the plane clocks in at 80 tonnes.
“When 530 tonnes start to move, what will stop it?,” he said, adding that the decision was made for safety reasons.
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McGowan then explained plan B – saying that a halter will be attached to the plane so diggers can pull it to shore.
He said he is determined to see his dream come to fruition, one way or another.
- With reporting from Cormac Fitzgerald
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