This article is from page 6 of the 2013-06-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
FÁILTE Ireland has been accused of washing its hands of tourism promotion in the west Clare region.
The tourism board has now been called before Kilrush Town Council to explain why it has downgraded its tourist offices in Kilrush and Kilkee at a time when the region is working hard to develop a sustainable tourism industry.
Fáilte Ireland Visitor Information Points have been opened at Crotty’s in Kilrush and at Occasion Gift Shop in Kilkee, but there is no longer any tourist offices anywhere on the west Clare peninsula.
Kilrush Marketing and Development Officer Síobhan Garvey said that Fáilte Ireland told a meeting of tourist bodies that as part of national policy both offices would not be opening in the traditional sense.
“Given the increased use of smart phones, mobile internet devices and apps it is felt by Fáilte Ireland that the new model to provide tourist information is by way of Tourist Information Points which can be placed in existing businesses and serve as an add on facility,” she said.
Council members are not impressed with the new strategy however and have asked for a meeting with Fáilte Ireland to in Cllr Tom Prendeville’s (FF) words;
“Let them know in no uncertain terms what we think of their baffling decision not to fund and located a tourist office in the town.”
Cllr Liam Williams (FG) suggested that the town council should have taken on the project.
“Did we miss out here? Should the town council not have taken it?” he asked.
The councillor was told that the council office was not appropriate as it was only open five days a week, but Cllr Williams believed the council still had a role to play.
“Crotty’s was a tourist agency of last resort.
“We are grateful to Rebecca and Kevin [owners of Crotty’s]” said Cllr Prendeville adding the town needs an office that will carry out services such as bookings and providing information.
Fáilte Ireland has been invited to the July meeting of the council.