This article is from page 22 of the 2012-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
FÁILTE Ireland has been urged to remove the word ‘traveller’ from material for a new € 2 million tourism initiative.
The tourism body has launched a new drive aimed a bringing more tourists to the west of Ireland.
‘The Wild Atlantic Way’ aims to increase tourist numbers and mobility through a renewed emphasis on visual and historical amenities.
However a Clare councillor is urging Fáilte Ireland to remove the word, ‘traveller’, from any reports or material associated with the Wild Atlantic Way.
Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said yesterday that by leaving the word in, Fáilte Ireland was issuing an “open invitation” for anyone to abuse the route.
Cllr Brennan was speaking at a meeting of Clare County Council’s Community, Enterprise, Tourism and Emergency Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) where members were given details of the new tourism drive.
Cllr Brennan’s comments came during a discussion on the lack of facilities for tourists with camper vans.
Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) described the absence of camper van facilities as a “very distinct gap” in Clare’s tourist offering.
He added, “Not alone are we not servicing it, we are actually deterring it.”
Committee Chairman Richard Nagle (FF) said Clare had suffered during summer months from illegal encampments along the county’s roads.
He said the council and gardaí had expended huge resources and time on trying to deal with problems arising from illegal encampments.
He said a change of legislation is urgently needed to deal with the issue.
Cllr Nagle added, “It creates a hugely negative impression of the tourism product on offer. We have brought it to the attention of our Oireachtas members and nothing has happened.”
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) proposed that all local authorities in the west of Ireland put pressure on the Government to bring in new leg- islation.
Director of Service Ger Dollard said it would be useful to carry out an audit of existing camper van facilities.
He said there could be opportunities for the private sector to further develop facilities in Clare.
Senior planner Gordon Daly told the meeting that the council recognized that there is a gap in the market for camper van tourism.
He added, “It’s up to the private sector to develop. If people have ideas they should come to us. We would be very happy to talk with them.”