Smuggler's ship bringing new life to Killala Bay seabed

Off the north Mayo coast, around 4km out in Killala Bay, we're on our way to the site of the smuggler's ship now lying at the bottom of the seabed.

The 60 metre MV Shingle was deliberately sunk here two years ago as part of a unique project to create an artificial reef.

Now, sitting 30 metres below, time and tides have helped colonise parts of the wreck.

Underwater footage shows barnacles, sponges and fish all drawn to it, which experts say is a positive sign.

"It's quite impressive to be honest. I mean these things take time. I could see ... a lot of growth for the time period that the wreck has been in the water," says Dr Jose Maria Farines Franco, a marine ecologist from the Atlantic Technological University.

"Some areas are a bit bare. You will see barnacles and the species like worms that are the first ones to colonise these sort of artificial structures. And other areas have other species that are more advanced in the colonisation, like sea squirts. All this sea life actually increases the availability of food for other species, and that's why you see all the fish attracted to the wreck."

He says that it shouldn't be the "default resort" to scuttle such ships, but does acknowledge, the Shingle is a long-term project, adding that artificial reefs can be of great benefit.

"In ecology terms, in nature, things take time," he says.

"Artificial reefs become like real estate in marine areas. So, any animals that live in the system, they will settle on it and start just growing and attracting other species.

"It will not become the same as a natural reef, but will increase biodiversity in general, and that will probably have a calling effect and attract more marine life to the surrounding area."

The wreck is also attracting other explorers - divers.

Councillor Michael Loftus from the Killala Bay Ships to Reef Group was a driving force behind the initiative.

"What we were trying to do originally when we said we were going to sink this artificial reef ... was really to improve diving but also biodiversity. We've been very fortunate that we've seen the results of it with the fish life on the wreck," he says.

"To actually see the amount of fish that we are coming into the bay; porpoises, dolphins, that we would never have seen before as much as they are, it is fantastic and that's what it was all about."

He also says there have been no environmental concerns since it was sunk, saying the ship was cleaned out in line with EPA specifications beforehand.

Officials say the wider area has benefited too.

Anna Connor is head of the Ballina Municipal District with Mayo County Council.

"It has attracted significant visitor numbers which is hugely positive and it's year-round tourism, so we're having people come and visit this part of the world outside of June, July and August, which is extremely positive," she says.

"We're seeing about 12,000 visitors per annum, which is quite significant."

The sinking marked the beginning of the end of the ten-year Shingle saga.

The Maldovan-registered vessel was intercepted in the summer of 2014, heading from Slovenia towards Drogheda in Co Louth, with 32 million illegal cigarettes on board.

Following legal proceedings, Revenue took control of the vessel.

It had hoped to quickly sell it, but it was covered in rust and asbestos and scrapping it was deemed too expensive.

The vessel was tied up Dublin Port for around nine years where it racked up fees of around €7,000 per month.

Over €2 million was spent on it in berthing fees and remedial works.

Now at the bottom of the sea, this old ship, it seems, is attracting new life.