Counters to give data on numbers climbing Croagh Patrick

COUNTERS on Croagh Patrick will give an accurate account of how many people are climbing the mountain and help inform future plans.

The data for the year to date should be available this month or in November.

There was an issue over the summer where counters required some repairs, but it was decided to leave that until activity died down as there was a danger that data could be lost.

In years past Croagh Patrick was all about Reek Sunday but now it is a 52 weeks of the year destination, Councillor Christy Hyland told a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting this week.

Where previously it was guess work, the counters gave an accurate reflection of activity on the mountain. This was needed when planning for the future, be it toilets, etc.

Great work was being carried out there on the pilgrim path, he added.

Croagh Patrick is one of the most significant assets in the country and it wasn't acceptable that the counters have not been operating satisfactorily, said Councillor Peter Flynn.

Parking meters in the car park are working, he added, which would given an indication of trends.