Vision for 250-berth marina set out in plan

PROPOSALS for a 100-berth marina in Westport, with capacity to expand to cater for up to 250 boats in the future, would be a massive boost for tourism right across Mayo.

The facility would attract Irish and international sailing boats, boosted by tenders to transport cruise ship passengers from further out the bay at Inishlyre.

Westport Tourism Organisation (WTO) also has a vision to utilise all the numerous harbours dotted around Clew Bay - Murrisk, Lecanvey, Old Head, Roonagh, Rosmoney, Newport, Rockfleet, Mulranny, Cloughmore – to benefit those communities.

And the islands are also part of their submission to the public consultation on the Draft National Marine Planning Framework, with proposals for a direct ferry link from Westport to Clare Island.

WTO say Clew Bay is one of the greatest maritime assets around the entire coast of Ireland but it has been a vastly underused natural asset in recent times.

In their submission, the committee have investigated the opportunities which Clew Bay represents to develop employment, tourism and revenue all around its shores.

Westport is the 'perfect link' in the necklace of marinas around the country's coastline.

It could offer safe harbour to cruising, sailing, fishing and research vessels, as well as repairs and maintenance, and the town itself offers a strong commercial presence where provisions could be easily topped up and a few days leisure enjoyed.

The harbours around the bay are active for sea-angling but there is room to expand this sector, especially to cater to the international tourist market. WTO believe watersports such as sea-kayaking, currach-rowing and small dinghy sailing could be promoted to help the current generation to connect with the sea in a greater way.

The Great Western Greenway will soon extend from Roonagh to Achill and WTO ask if there is a way to link the greenway with a Blue Way and link these harbours through sailing and watersports.

Their report stated: 'If Clew Bay were to be considered almost as an inland lake and developed as one entity, maybe it could have even a fraction of the success that Lake Windermere in England has with 10,000 registered boats.'

It added: 'Westport’s harbour has a rich history which needs to be revisited and celebrated. The port meant the town was exposed to national and international influences over the course of its history and that has given the town and its people an openness to the world which is where its success as a tourist destination today emanates from.'

Westport Tourism Organisation acknowledges that a marina is a huge investment, running to millions of euro, but they want to explore the possibilities.

Their plan envisions the creation of a lagoon on the southside of Roman Island to accommodate the marina. Mooring could be available for 100 boats initially with an option to expand to cater for up to 250 boats.

The facility would allow Westport to offer watersports in an area to the left of the proposed marina. Clubs, tuition and racing would promote these sports throughout the year, with all kinds of festivals and events to emanate from them.

In their plan, a greenway circles Roman Island and the proposed lagoon, and WTO strongly advocates for this to be completed at the earliest opportunity as it would quadruple visitors to the harbour.

WTO believe a quality ferry service from Westport to Clare Island should be feasible, even for July and August. 'It is imperative that we connect locals and visitors to the town with the exceptional beauty and hospitality that are available on Clare Island and Inishturk.

'It would have to be a reliable service and probably minimum one hour travel time, but what an opportunity – to travel right out through Clew Bay to Clare Island.

'It is arguably one of the most beautiful islands around Ireland’s coastline, but struggles to attract visitors because access from Roonagh is relatively obscure as far as tourists are concerned.'

The report adds that it could be possible for cruise ships or larger sailing vessels to come as far as Inishlyre and for tenders to transport people to Westport marina from there.

WTO called on Mayo County to establish a representative body that can liaise with all the groups who have a vested interest in the future of Clew Bay. Once a shared vision is there in concrete terms, all public bodies must be brought to task to deliver that vision in the next 10 to 20 years.