Funding for north Mayo Céide trail questioned

A NORTH Mayo councillor wants to know where is Fáilte Ireland's funding for a major tourism project on the Céide coastline.

The 15-kilometre trail will run from the Céide Fields to Downpatrick Head and will feature 11 bridges, including a suspension bridge.

Twenty-eight landowners and the community have worked hard to develop the iconic project, Councillor Michael Loftus told a meeting of Mayo County Council.

But it is being left to hang up by Fáilte Ireland, he said.

“I am concerned that Fáilte Ireland are not looking at this quite seriously,” said Councillor Loftus, adding that he had asked the chief executive to make enquiries.

He was concerned the funding will not be put in place, saying it was to be done in 2025 and it's still not in 2026.

It was identified as a key project in the destination plan for north Mayo and his question is, were Fáilte Ireland going to come up trumps with the money.

Chief executive Kevin Kelly said contact had been made with Fáilte Ireland, who have still to announce their capital funding stream, so the council hasn't been in a position to apply for funding. That is still the intention but they didn't know when that announcement will be made.

Planning is in place and the tourism team is working on some of the business case documentation and supports required for the application with a view to submitting it as early as possible once the opportunity arises.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme