Two Clare facilities to benefit from Fáilte Ireland’s €19m investment in water activities
- Facilities in Kilkee and Ogonnelloe among those chosen
- Funding targets outdoor water-based activities
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation that two facilities in Clare are to benefit from a new Fáilte Ireland fund, targeting outdoor water-based activities.
The €19 million investment is being issued to 22 projects nationwide, including the Ballycuggaran Sports Activity Facility in Ogonnelloe and Kilkee Waterworld Activity Facilities.
“As my party’s Tourism Spokesperson, I am delighted to see two locations in Clare chosen to benefit from this funding,” said Deputy Crowe.
“We’ve all seen the rise in popularity of water-based activities in recent years and for a county like Clare, this opens up a sizeable tourist market, once Covid allows for travel once again.
“This investment will significantly improve the overall visitor experience in both of the Clare locations chosen and, I hope, will play a part in providing new business and job opportunities in the communities, particularly in rural areas and allow for an extension of the traditional tourism season beyond the summer months.
“Our magnificent Atlantic coastline is widely known around Ireland and further afield for its beauty and potential for surfing, sailing, swimming and so on but it’s hugely encouraging to see massive efforts in East Clare to lure visitors to Lough Derg and the Shannon.
“With the rise in popularity of slow tourism, there’s huge potential in this part of the county for targeting a very specific type of tourist.
“For other water-adjacent communities in the county, there’s still plenty of scope for an injection of funding, as this is Phase 1 of this scheme, due to be completed by the summer of 2022, and Phase 2 will be announced next year.
“I’m on hand to work with any community group that would be interested in preparing for an application next year.
“I look forward to seeing the fruits of the labour in both Ogonnelloe and Kilkee once this funding is issued.”
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