Sod officially turned on two new water sports facilities in Mayo

On Thursday, July 24  the sod was officially turned on the new €1.2million Water Sport Facilities in Keel, Achill and Carrowmore, Louisburgh in Mayo by Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD.

These facilities which have been developed by Mayo County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and will provide best-in-class outdoor tourism facilities to enhance the visitor experience and serve as a central hub for outdoor activities in both of the stunning locations on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The new Water Sports Facilities in Keel and Carrowmore will help extend the outdoor tourism season by providing year-round hot showers, changing area, toilets, secure storage, and induction space at both beaches.

Accessibility and sustainability will be key focus points for these projects, ensuring full wheelchair access and the installation of solar heating panels. It will also feature Changing Places facilities along with accessible toilets.

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After breaking ground to mark the beginning of the construction phase of the project, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD said: “It is a great privilege to officially turn the sod on these state-of-the-art water sports facilities in Keel and Carrowmore.

“These projects represent a significant investment in Mayo’s tourism infrastructure and a strong commitment to sustainable, inclusive outdoor recreation.

“By enhancing the visitor experience and supporting local communities, we are ensuring that Mayo continues to thrive as a premier destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. I commend Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland for their vision and collaboration in bringing this initiative to life”

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey added: “Mayo people have a profound connection to the sea and our beaches as both resources and amenities, and these new facilities in both Keel and Carrowmore will greatly improve all beach users’ experiences and enjoyment at these stunning locations.

“We welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists to the county every year and these new facilities will add another string to the bow of Mayo as a premier tourist destination. They will also be a welcome addition to the year-round local beach user.”

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Head of Activities at Fáilte Ireland, Fiona Monaghan said: “Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism and enhancing the visitor experience, particularly in regional areas. Today marks the beginning of the journey in developing a fantastic new tourism amenity that will help strengthen the outdoor tourism in Mayo.

Carrowmore and Keel are important destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way, with so much potential to attract both international and domestic visitors. We look forward to working with Mayo County Council to develop this best-in-class Water Sports Facility that will benefit both visitors and the local community while helping extend the outdoor activity season in the area.” 

“These facilities in Keel and Carrowmore are the seventh and eighth Water Sports Activity Facility to begin construction under this scheme with a total of 19 facilities to be developed across 13 counties.”