Marina number one priority for Westport's tourism product
THE development of a marina in Westport has been highlighted as the number one priority for the town's tourism product.
In their submission on the draft local area plan for the town, Westport Tourism Organisation (WTO) say a marina at Westport Harbour could be delivered for €20 million and would be a 'game changer' for Westport, Clew Bay and Co. Mayo.
As Covid-19 means British cruise companies are confined to the UK coast this year, WTO say there could be a real opportunity here for Ireland to become a cruise destination for British and European travellers of the future.
Also at the Quay area, with the Point becoming an increasingly popular swimming spot, they recommend a lifeguard be based there in July and August and that a shelter be installed next to the steps to offer swimmers some protection from the weather and comfort while they change.
Also close by, WTO believes Mayo County Council must be proactive in supporting the future of Westport House and Estate.
The town, the submission continues, does not cater effectively for campervans. More Irish people are buying campervans and Westport has to create a serviced site for campervans, with water, electricity and a waste facility, at an affordable price.
Parking for taxis/hackneys is also addressed and WTO say there needs to be an identifiable central location where a taxi/hackney is available.
On nearby Bertra Beach, protection of this amenity is now 'critical', say WTO.
The submission sets out: 'The beach and dunes are becoming endangered and Mayo County Council must take urgent preventive action. The impact of climate change with stronger storms and higher seas will really test the fabric of the beach and dunes, but we want to hand them on to the next generation intact.
'There will be greater exposure to flooding all around inner Clew Bay if Bertra Beach is breached by the sea. Areas like Murrisk, Belclare, Westport, Carrowholly, Newport and the islands of the inner bay will be in danger of annual flooding events. There needs to be a commitment and an investment in protecting Bertra Beach for the future.'
Also in this area, WTO say money needs to be frontloaded to create the greenway out to Roonagh Pier. 'A looped cycle trail from Westport to Roonagh, out to the islands of Inishturk and Clare Island and back via Achill to Westport will be world-class when completed.'
On new proposals for greenways - Westport via Aughagower, Glenmask to Tourmakeady and Clonbur, and Westport to Leenane via the Erriff Valley, they urged: 'We need to be careful that all our tourism isn’t funnelled along the Wild Atlantic Way to the neglect of other equally stunning locations. It is hoped that in 2022, there will be a new UNESCO Geopark in the Joyce Country Western Lakes area. These proposed greenways would create a loop directing people into the geopark, with Westport as the start and end point.'
On traffic, WTO proposed that a shuttle bus based at the Quay that circulates around the town on a reliable schedule could help clear congestion in the town centre, especially in the summer months.
The full submission is available on consult.mayo.ie.