Funding Granted For North Clare Amenities

Business & Finance - Tourism

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 13:37

Written by Stephen Davis

The Burren Heritage Trail and the Doolin Cycle Hub are set to benefit from a funding announcement made by the Minister for Tourism, Leo Varadkar, during a visit to Co Clare.

The funding is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme, with a focus on outdoor activities.

Fine Gael Clare TD, Joe Carey, has welcomed the funding announcements for tourism initiatives, which he says focus on boosting visitor numbers by  improving outdoor activity facilities.

“Up to €51,315 has been approved for a series of heritage walking trails in the Burren. This will improve the existing network for walkers and cyclists in the popular tourist destination. Looped trails will be developed in association with landowners and a range of agencies such as the Walks Scheme, National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service, Clare County Council and Shannon Development.  Seven locations have been identified at Carran, Doolin, Fanore, Flaggy Shore (New Quay), Kilnaboy, Lisdoonvarna and Lough Bunny, because they offer easy access to a variety of landscapes and culture.

“And in Doolin, funding of €10,000 has been approved towards the further development of the existing cycle route.  Extra signage and information boards will be installed at several locations, making the route safer and easier to navigate.

“These two projects further enhance the tourism product on offer in Co. Clare, and they are further evidence of the Government’s commitment to attracting more overseas visitors to these shores. The outdoor tourism market has huge potential, and Co. Clare has the ideal landscape to further capitalise on the popularity of activity holidays”, concluded Deputy Carey.