Crosshaven 'may miss out on tourism boost due to inadequate infrastructure'
Plans by Fáilte Ireland to boost Cork Harbour tourism could bypass a seaside town because it hasn't got the infrastructure to cope with increased visitor numbers.
Senior members of the tourism authority will be told that Crosshaven could miss out on valuable revenue under plans to promote the harbour.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the Carrigaline Municipal District Council by Fine Gael councillor Jack White.
He said the lack of parking, proper road infrastructure, and limited wastewater capacity must be addressed in Crosshaven in the preparation of the introduction of the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan.
Mr White suggested tourists could be brought in an out of the coastal village by water.
Maurice Murphy, the most senior council official for the wider Carrigaline region, acknowledged that there is no land on the market which the local authority can purchase for extra car parking.
He added that the next county development plan must ensure land is zoned for this.
Rose Carroll, who leads the council's tourism unit, said the infrastructure deficits 'are being clearly communicated and considered as part of the plan's formulation, with a view to unlocking the area's full tourism potential'.
Independent councillor Ben Dalton-O'Sullivan said Fáilte Ireland officials are due to address the council's tourism committee and the concerns raised by Mr White will be discussed with them.
The Cork Harbour tourism plan comes under the auspices of the national strategy known as Ireland's Ancient East, but Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan maintained that Crosshaven should be part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Mr Donovan asked when Camden Fort Meagher would open for tourists this year. Plans to open it in the spring were delayed because of damage caused by Storm Éowyn.
Phillippa Deane, the attraction's acting manager, said repairs should be completed in mid-May and announced that in July and August it will open on a seven-day basis instead of five.
She said new bilingual exhibitions telling Camden's fascinating story have been installed and additional parts of the fort will open to the public for the first time. New walkways are also to be opened. Ms Deane added:
Fort management will be working throughout the season in collaboration with our new operator to ensure the highest quality offering, in our wonderfully scenic café space.
Meanwhile, Mr Murphy said the council has submitted 'a very ambitious plan' to government for funding to upgrade facilities there, adding maintenance of the fort will also cost a considerable amount of money in the coming years.
Mr Donovan welcome the news but maintained it should be open all year round and not just from April to September and should be used for corporate events.
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