Funding boost for two Mayo water sports facilities

FUNDING has been allocated to two Mayo facilities for outdoor water-based activities, Deputy Michael Ring has confirmed this morning.

They are the Keel facility centre for water sports activities at Keel Sandybanks on Achill Island and the Carrowmore water sports facility centre at Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh.

Said Deputy Ring: “Due to the notable increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming and the fact that this trend looks set to continue, there is a huge demand for all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots.

“This funding will be used to build high standard facility centres in Mayo where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction.

“Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points. They will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainable materials such as solar heating panels.”

The investment scheme, said Deputy Alan Dillon, developed in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and local authorities, will support the local economy and the outdoor activity sector by significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience, providing new business opportunities in local communities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.

A second phase is expected to commence in 2023 under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth capital investment programme.