Local Link bus services for East Clare will play major role in rejuvenation
- Additional routes part of €76m tourism investment
- Will be beneficial to locals and visitors alike
Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe says a planned investment in Local Link bus services in East Clare will play a major role in rejuvenating the entire east of the county.
Additional routes will be added as part of the Fáilte Ireland backed Shannon Tourism Masterplan for the Lower Shannon Region, which includes Lough Derg, Killaloe and many more communities along the east of Clare.
“There is huge untapped potential in terms of Lough Derg and East Clare’s tourism product,” said Deputy Crowe.”
“For many decades, the entire focus has been on developing the Cliffs of Moher and West Clare’s tourism offering and while this has been great, it has led to an imbalance of tourism development within our county and there has been a neglect of the Lough Derg-Lower Shannon area for too long.
“In recent years, it has been a focal point for Clare County Council with plans now well advanced to develop Inis Cealtra and attract visitors to the historic Lough Derg island and now, over €70m of public money being channelled into developing tourism products for the region.
“Senior Fáilte Ireland figures have told me that they intend to have an approved Local Link bus service in the area, which would enable both tourists and locals to travel on an orbital basis around Lough Derg, taking in Killaloe-Ballina and the fantastic communities of East Clare including Tuamgraney, Oggonnelloe, Scariff, Mountshannon and Whitegate.
“It also provides the opportunity to take in the eastern shore of Lough Derg in Tipperary, with northerly links to Portumna in south Galway.
“I think it goes without saying that this would be of immense benefit to those living in the region but also far easier on tourists descending into East Clare and the Lough Derg region to move freely between communities and stay in different areas.
“East Clare will be specifically targeting slow tourism which is cyclists, walkers and trekkers – public transport will be a major added bonus to those looking at East Clare for their trip.”
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