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Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Report into Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk finds closure ‘has cost national economy tens of millions in lost revenue'
The report, by Jim Power, will be launched in Greystones Sailing Club at 4pm, on Tuesday, June 3, by the community group, Friends of the Cliff Walk. Using national and international economic models, including Failte Ireland data, as well as information from local businesses, the report has found that the closure, now in its fifth year, has cost the national economy tens of millions of euro in lost revenue, with a corresponding negative financial impact on Wicklow, and on Greystones in particular. The report also shows how the closure runs counter to Wicklow County Council's own policies and objectives, including access to a public right of way, as well as national goals relating to exercise, fitness and combatting obesity. The report will be presented by Mr Power and the venue and surroundings (Greystones Marina with the Bray Head backdrop) make for a suitably photogenic setting for the launch. Jim Power is economic advisor to the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and a former advisor to both Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks. He teaches at Dublin City University and the Smurfit Business School, and is a regular media commentator. Meanwhile, an update was provided on the Cliff Walk at the May meeting of Greystones Municipal District, in which councillors heard that the tender process for a report into the trail, has hit a setback. District manager Marc Devereux advised that because there was a query raised regarding that tender, that query has to be addressed, which resets the clock. While it was hoped that a successful consultant would have been awarded the tender for the report by now, the process has been delayed. Wicklow County Council has two tenders out for the Cliff Walk: one for rockfall stabilisation works to the value of €500,000, and the second to the value of €80,000 for the engineering report. The aim of tender process for the latter is to identify qualified experts to examine issues affecting the trail, and involves a number of key areas, including the condition of the Cliff Walk, the integrity of the rock face along Bray Head, and the identification of all points along the trail that are at risk of collapse.
Irish Independent
27-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Kerry seaside village gets exclusive boost to year-round tourism
Described as a 'best-in-class' outdoor tourism amenity, it promises to enhance the visitor experience at Fenit as a year-round tourist hub for outdoor activities that includes hot showers, changing rooms, toilets, secure storage, induction space, and equipment washdown areas. The build includes full wheelchair access and the installation of solar heating panels, 'Changing Places' facilities and accessible toilet. The Fenit Water Sports Activity Facility is one of 19 to be developed across 13 counties under the national scheme. Welcoming the development was the Mayor of Tralee Cllr Mikey Sheehy who said the project will enhance the tourist experience at the popular seaside village. 'This investment in the infrastructure for outdoor activities and the wide range of water-based adventures that take place here is a huge positive. Funded by Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland under the Platforms for Growth Programme, it will extend the tourism season in Fenit to all year-round,' he said. Fáilte Ireland said the project marks the beginning of a journey in developing a fantastic amenity that strengthens outdoor tourism. 'Kerry is renowned for its stunning landscapes, towering mountain peaks and its beautiful beaches, and Fenit is no exception,' said Fiona Monaghan, Head of Activities at Fáilte Ireland. She added that Fenit beach and village are key assets along the Wild Atlantic Way with much potential to attract both international and domestic visitors. 'We look forward to working with Kerry County Council to develop this best-in-class Water Sports Facility that will benefit both visitors and the local community while helping extend the outdoor activity season in the area,' Ms Monaghan added. The first Fáilte Ireland investment scheme of its kind, it specifically targets 'platforms' or projects that have the greatest potential to grow tourism across Ireland and strategically enhance the Irish tourism offering to meet visitor needs.
