Funding for 'untapped Mayo tourism resource' welcomed

Mayo Fianna Fáil Deputy Dara Calleary has welcomed funding of €500,000 for Belmullet under the 'Destination Towns' Initiative. 

The funding will be allocated through Mayo County Council as part of a national €15.5 million fund administered by the National Tourism Development Authority.

The project in Belmullet will result in a more attractive and safer town centre from which tourists can access visitor services and venture outwards to discover the local area and other points of interest.

It will create a visitor friendly landing space at the Docks with cycling/walking, motorhome and water-based activity facilities.

Pedestrian routes will be reopened and a 1km greenway will be developed linking the harbour to the Broadhaven Bay Hotel.

“This is a significant announcement for Belmullet and North Mayo. I wish to pay tribute to everyone involved in securing this funding and look forward to the works commencing in a timely fashion,” said Deputy Calleary.

In announcing the allocation, the Minister for Rural and Community Development said the Destination Towns project in Belmullet will enhance the attractiveness of the town and improve orientation with updated directional and information signage and a new visitor space at the docks to provide cycling, walking, motor home and water-based activity facilities.

The pedestrian routes to the harbour will also be reopened and a 1km coastal greenway linking the harbour to the Broadhaven Bay Hotel will be developed.

The process of identifying the towns that receive funding through the Destination Towns scheme commenced in mid-2019 and was led by the Local Authorities in consultation with Fáilte Ireland.

Belmullet is included in the first round of allocations, which will take place from January.

He added: “Belmullet and the Erris peninsula is an untapped resource with huge tourism potential in Mayo. The people of Belmullet are welcoming, the views and natural beauty of the area are outstanding.

“ I am pleased that tourists will be encouraged to come and visit this area. The economic potential of this funding cannot be understated, as people visiting Belmullet will be encouraged to return.

"Councillor Gerry Coyle is to be commended for his hard work on this proposal for Belmullet."