Five key themes in Clew Bay development plan
THE Clew Bay Destination and Experience development plan is due to be published in the next four to six weeks.
The plan sets out five key themes to increase international visitor numbers and revenue and give them a reason to come and stay longer in Mayo.
The themes are Fearless Queen – developing a Grace O'Malley trail, which has a footprint all over the bay; Ribs of the Land – Mayo's famine story, from Doolough to Achill; Under Big Skies – the Wild Nephin Park and Dark Skies Park, including the development of a planetarium and observatory; Tracks and Trails – greenway extensions, and projects such as the 56k Western Way trail from Newport to Ballycastle, and a spiritual trail taking in Croagh Patrick, Ballintubber Abbey and Cong; and Bounteous Bay – encompassing everything from crafts to food, water sports to literature.
Mayo County Council's tourism policy committee received an update on the plan from Fionnán Nestor, Fáilte Ireland projects officer, Wild Atlantic Way.
As part of the plan, it is proposed to secure UNESCO biosphere designation for the Clew Bay area.
Councillor Peter Flynn told the meeting that Granuaile had been a 'big miss' over the years. That is what people wanted to hear, the stories, and hers touched many parts of the county.
On Croagh Patrick, it was great to see works underway on restoring the path but other areas required attention, such as the toilet facilities.
The ongoing development of the greenway, he said, had 'stood still'. A Clew Bay greenway, from Achill to Roonagh and taking in the islands, would be a most significant project for the country and they had to start delivering it.
The lack of progress on extending the greenway out to Louisburgh and Roonagh was something Councillor Christy Hyland said he felt 'embarrassed' about when people asked him about it.
A year ago they were given €500,000 and yet 'there's not a shovel or machine on site', he said.
Members were also told that focus will shift to the north of the county later this year with the development of a destination plan for that area too.
On tourism in general, Mr. Nestor said subject to travel restrictions being lifted, hotels in Mayo were predicting strong occupancy this summer.
Mayo, surveys show, is the No. 6 preferred county to visit in the country. Its outdoor and open spaces are an important determining factor for holidaymakers looking to visit.
Fáilte Ireland is working with the tourism sector, delivering grants and other supports, and a domestic marketing campaign is ready to roll.