Huge tourism potential of north Mayo and west Sligo highlighted
In terms of tourism, Ballina and the wider north Mayo/west Sligo region has been described as a 'golden egg' – but one that needs to hatch at some stage.
Councillor Mark Duffy made the comment during a presentation on tourism by Padraig Philbin, head of tourism, recreation and amenity with Mayo County Council, at the June meeting of Ballina Municipal District.
Mr. Philbin's presentation included plans for the entire county of Mayo and for Ballina Municipal District, and said Mayo and Sligo county councils are in discussion about projects such as a greenway from Ballina to Enniscrone as well as a link from the proposed mountain bike trail centre in Coolaney over the border into Bonniconlon – an 'aspirational, futuristic' idea that would have great appeal for the trail bike community.
Councillor Duffy complimented Anne-Marie Flynn, manager of the Mayo North Promotions Office, for doing Trojan work for the area but said he would like to see additional supports for her and the team.
He said that with so many great attractions in the region, the tourism potential of the area is huge. “We're sitting on golden eggs but they have to hatch at some stage.”
As well as the aforementioned Ballina-Enniscrone greenway and Coolaney-Bonniconlon trail, Mr. Philbin said completion of the Ballina-Killala greenway is a priority and he highlighted the 15km Ceide Fields to Downpatrick Head section of the National Coastal Path as 'truly iconic'.
He also spoke of the potential of the Ballina to Westport inter-urban greenway, while he explained that the proposed Knockmore to Pontoon greenway is a bit complicated due to designations in the area but is something they support as it will be a great amenity locally and as part of a wider network.
Acknowledging the help of the municipal districts and councillors in their plans, Mr. Philbin asked landowners to work with them in the development of greenways.
“It takes time to develop all projects but it's great to see so many being developed,” said Declan Turnbull, head of Ballina, who suggested they could further discuss projects at a workshop later in the year.