Multi-million funding for Wild Atlantic Way

Multi-million funding for Wild Atlantic Way – Minister Ring


Upgrade works for Discover points

Áine Ryan

THE Wild Atlantic Way has received a major cash injection of €3.2 million, which will ensure the next phase of the 2,400 kilometre route along the western seaboard, according to Minister for State, Michael Ring. This funding tranche includes a significant sum, €360,000, for the Mayo stretch of the western seaboard route, which has already attracted interest from tourism operators abroad.  
Minister Ring announced the funding, allocated through FΡilte Ireland, last week for the programme of improvement works for 133 Discovery Points and 22 embarkation points, identified along the route, which stretches from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. The Mayo allocation is for works at 24 Discovery Points and four Embarkation Points along the route.
The developers explained that upgrading works for some Discovery Points are ‘essential for the success of the project’. The Discovery Points are  ‘locations where the visitor can stop off, get out and explore, find out about some unique stories relating to the natural heritage of the area as well as [its] culture and social history’.
“I am delighted that this funding has been allocated for many wonderful spots in Mayo and beyond. The Wild Atlantic Way has massive potential to bring more overseas visitors and more jobs to rural communities right along the western seaboard. Today’s funding will significantly enhance what we will be offering to those visitors and will allow us to deliver on the promise of a route which is already capturing the attention and imagination of many potential tourists throughout the world,” Mr Ring said.
He continued: “Today’s funding will target improvement works which were identified in a detailed physical assessment of the condition of each of the 133 Discovery Points and 22 embarkation points along the route. These works relate primarily to the interpretation of the stories associated with the location, interventions required to improve the physical appearance of the site, and measures to ensure visitor safety at the site.”
Shaun Quinn, the CEO of FΡilte Ireland said: “The Wild Atlantic Way is one of our most ambitious tourism projects ever. Already, the reception both at home and abroad to the concept has been incredibly encouraging. Today’s funding is part of the ongoing evolution of the project. Most of the route has now been branded and signed and FΡilte Ireland is working with tourism operators and local communities all along the coast to ensure that they can engage with the opportunities offered by the project and to assist them in ‘telling and selling’ and in bringing their stories alive for those who visit.”
The Government  allocated €8 million for the Wild Atlantic Way project this year  and along with €2million previously committed by FΡilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme, a total investment of €10 million will take place in 2014.