This article is from page 6 of the 2014-03-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
A TOURISM venture, which is expected to increase the number of visitors to Clare this year, was launched on Thursday in Dublin, much to the annoyance of some West of Ireland tourism bodies.
The Government chose to launch the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s first long distance touring route along the West coast, in the East.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring promised visi- tors the “journey of a lifetime” as he officially launched 2,500-kilometre route.
Fáilte Ireland is investing € 10 million during 2014 in the route which stretches from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, and incorporate west and north Clare.
Minister Ring said, “It’s the world’s longest touring route through some of Ireland’s most beautiful places, and is already proving a hit in our key overseas markets like Britain, the US, France and Germany.
“It has massive potential to bring more visitors and more jobs to rural communities right along the western seaboard.
“That’s why we will soon be promoting it even further a field in places like Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.”
The minister has also said that while the Government has invested in the promotion of the venture it would not be providing specific finances to repair any damage along the route due to recent storms.
Clare County Council has to date paid out € 1 million in repairs along the Clare part of the tourism route.
Director of Services with Clare County Council Ger Dollard told The Clare People , “Responsibility for roads rests with the council but we are dependent on funding from Government.
“We see the Wild Atlantic Way as a major tourism project for County Clare with huge economic and tourism potential.
“We are obviously anxious that the overall product is presented to the highest standard possible.”