€2m infrastructure grant

Tourism in west gets e2m boost

Anton McNulty

TOURISM in the west of Ireland received a significant boost after it was revealed that a total of €2 million has been awarded to local authorities in the western region under the infrastructure programme of the Tourism Development Plan.
The four local authorities in the region received funding from €178,500 to €800,000 in support of a total of 20 projects, which include the designation of three cycling hubs and the provision and upgrade of angling facilities at key lake and riverside locations around the county.
The announcement from the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr Seamus Brennan, is the third in as many months in relation to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The fund targets facilities such as walking and cycling routes, jetties and moorings, angling stands, access paths and sign-posting.
The three designated cycling routes in the region are in Clifden, Westport and Achill, with the provision of a number of looped sign-posted cycle routes to be included. The Achill Hub cycle route will get a maximum of €33,000 towards the development of 65km of cycle ways, while the Westport hub cycle route will receive a maximum of €88,004 towards 24km of cycle ways.
The Manager of Achill Tourism, Stephen Corrigan, welcomed the grant towards the cycle hub saying it fits into the new market strategy plan of Achill Tourism. The three cycling routes in Achill will take in the Atlantic Drive, Saula and Dugort.
“This is a very positive step for tourism in Achill and it fits into the market strategy plan we are hoping to develop. We were told that all the roads were suitable for cycling and all the Council have to do is provide the signage and Fáilte Ireland will do the marketing. Infrastructure is very important if we wish to turn Achill into the playground of Mayo, and cycling, along with hill-walking and outdoor pursuits, are the products we are trying to develop on the island,” he said.
He also welcomed the announcement of the Beach Management Projects at Carrowmore strand in Louisburgh, Dooega beach in Achill and Ross beach in Killala, with up to a maximum of €112,500 for each beach for the improvement of visitor facilities. These improvements include the building of permanent toilets and the improvement of access to the beaches.
Moore Hall, Pontoon, Carheen and Terrybaun will all receive grant aid up to a maximum of €180,000 for the development of angling facilities and infrastructure, while development of the pier at Lislaughera and harbour improvements at Gortnorabbey will receive grant aid up to a maximum of €75,000 and €90,000 respectively.