Today's cable car dream may be tomorrow's reality

Tuesday, 03 May 2011 11:32

2 Comments

While the headline of your editorial on my letter proposing a cable car for the Reek sounds like a negative reaction, the totality of the article is very positive and complimentary to the idea. The 'dream' label often creates images of Santa wishing but I can accept this particular categorisation if it achieves right results.

I would be in great company as part of the dreaming factory. John F. Kennedy said: "Some men dream and ask why, I dream and ask why not". Martin Luther King uttered the famous words "I have a dream".
Today Ireland is preparing for the visit of one of his own race as US President. Were their dreams in vain?
Was Father Horan not accused of 'foggy boggy' dreaming? But the reality is!
It's encouraging that someone in your position can grasp the issues and values. Hopefully you will have the impact that a predecessor of yours had in the land league campaign.
Let's hope the politicians and planners see the vast potential. Minister Ring speaking in Westport recently said Fáilte Ireland was continuing to engage with Mayo County Council to review all capital projects and identify new ones that would enhance Mayo's tourism product and encourage more visitors.
Here's a project I believe can deliver those objectives and be self-sustaining.
I think it is incredible that Croagh Patrick has not been recognised for the asset and wonder it is. A place that should be positioned with any Cliffs of Moher or Giants Causeway in tourist travels, but is not. Why? Because it's not accessible.
With the Reek having the double edge of scenery and spiritualism it should be a sold out, year round, standing room only venue.
Another opportunity that cannot be availed of in present conditions is its potential as a novel wedding centre. Many couples want variety and go abroad for the big occasion. No place could match a Reek- top wedding with quality hotels in nearby Westport for breakfast.
You mention the 'not in my backyard' brigade as potential obstacles to progress, but even they will eventually accept what is for common good, especially if it is realised the numbers of long term jobs this could create directly in its operation and maintenance and indirectly in local catering and services in surrounding towns. Also it must be realised the Reek is a national treasure and not just a local trophy.
You also suggest the cost would be enormous. I believe what has to be considered is the long-term returns from a once off investment that could transform all Mayo. An investment area that could exploited for this is the Irish appetite for the cooperative movement.
It should be possible to raise the necessary capital, home and abroad, with an attractive package for investors on an historical landmark project.
It is not so long ago that some people were having dreams about gold mines on the Reek area. I believe people have not woken up to the actual gold mine that is there waiting to be tapped, without the defacing pits, the machines and chemicals. An inexhaustible resource that can be producing for as long as the Atlantic waves washes the Clew Bay islands, but only with the foresight to put in into production.

Yours sincerely,
Frank Charlton,
Manulla,
Castlebar.

Comments  

 

+2 #2 Mary Howley 2011-05-17 20:27

[quote name="Mary Howley"]I can only say that I am appalled, no incandescent, at the idea. This mountain is already suffering the serious effects of erosion from the multitude of walkers who trek to its peak, and rather than increase its use as a tourist attraction we should be focussing on how we preserve it and not deface it. Money should be spent on paths in order to prevent further erosion, and means of maintaining the spirit in which it has originally been used by our ancestors who so respectfully climbed it (often after arduous journeys to reach the base itself) despite its so called 'inaccessibility ' in order to pray and reflect. Paying for 'scenery and spiritualism' and using this as a 'sold-out' wedding venue is just about the most oxymoronic and perverse idea I have heard of in a long time............ Is this thinking a symptom of recession-hit Ireland, or a complete loss of contact with the significance and beauty of nature and history and the need to preserve?

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+1 #1 Mary Howley 2011-05-17 20:25

I can only say that I am appalled, no incandescent, at the idea. This mountain is already suffering the serious effects of erosion from the multitude of walkers who trek to its peak, and rather than increase its use as a tourist attraction we should be focussing on how we preseve it and not deface it. Money should be spent on paths in order to prevent further erosion, and means of maintaining the spirit in which it has originally been used by our ancestors who so respectfully climbed it (often after arduous journeys to reach the base itself) despite its so called 'inaccessibility ' in order to pray and reflect. Paying for 'scenery and spiritualism' and using this as a 'sold-out' wedding venue is just about the most oxymoronic, and perverse idea I have heard of in a long time............ Is this thinking a symptom of recession-hit Ireland, or a complete loss of contact with the significance and beauty of nature and the need to preserve?

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