This article is from page 18 of the 2012-06-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
MEMBERS of Clare County Council have backed a proposal to have Shannon designated as the official airport for next year’s Gathering tourism initiative.
Announced earlier this year by the Government, the Gathering aims to bring around 400,000 visitors to Ireland in 2013 by promoting the country to the Irish Diaspora.
There were calls yesterday to make sure Clare is prepared to take advantage of any spike in tourist numbers.
At the June meeting of Clare Coun- ty Council, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) tabled a motion stating “that Clare County Council establish a Clare Gathering 2012 co-ordination group to market Clare and its Festivals and Events (F&E) for 2012”.
He continued, “Such group also to urgently design, plan and co-ordinate the Gathering Year 2013 for Clare county to ensure that County Clare maximises the opportunities presented in the international, national and regional marketing and funding of Clare’s 2013 festivals and events (noting short deadlines with regard to Fáilte Ireland funding for 2013 F&Es of early this June 2012).”
Cllr Flynn told the meeting that many of the people that left Ireland in the forties and fifties did so from Shannon Airport. He called for the council to ensure that Shannon is promoted as the official airport of the Gathering. He said plans were already in Knock Airport to rival the Shannon bid.
In his response, the Director of Services, Gerard Dollard, stated, “The council has already initiated a process to establish an overall county group representative of various groups and organisations that have the capacity to initiate events and festivals as part of the Gathering.”
He continued, “The first meeting of the group is scheduled for June 19 (2012). At that meeting the terms of reference of the group will be discussed together with any suggestions for expanding membership of the group.”
Mr Dollard said the council is also in discussions with Fáilte Ireland and that all arrangements are being progressed with the full support of Shannon Airport.
Asked to comment on the role of Shannon Development, Mr Dollard said it was “business as usual” as far as Clare County Council concerned.
Councillors also backed plans to promote the Gathering through the various electoral areas of the coun- ty.
The Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), said it is important Clare takes advantage of tourism opportunities created in 2013.
Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) said the event is a great opportunity to “mobilize communities to welcome the Diaspora”.
Cllr James Breen (Ind) called on the council to explore re-opening the West Clare Railway for tourists. He said a delegation from the council should visit a similar project in Mayo.
Mr Dollard said the council has started preliminary work on opening the route of the West Clare Railway.