Local councillor Michael Loftus has criticised Fáilte Ireland for not yet committing funding for the proposed Céide Coastal Path, a 15‑kilometre trail that would link the Céide Fields Neolithic site with Downpatrick Head in north Mayo.
The path is part of a five‑year tourism development plan for the region that was launched earlier this year by Fáilte Ireland and Minister of State Alan Dillon. While the project has received support from the national tourism body, Loftus questioned the lack of a concrete funding announcement at the monthly meeting of the Ballina Municipal District.
“This route will be one of the biggest projects and will make a massive difference to north Mayo. I feel Fáilte Ireland is letting us down by not progressing and financing it,” Loftus said. He added that 28 landowners have agreed to allow part of their land to be used for the trail and urged the council to send a letter to Fáilte Ireland requesting an update on the funding timeline.
Loftus also highlighted that the proposed route would include eleven bridges, which he compared to the iconic Carrick‑a‑Rede rope bridge in north County Antrim. He said the bridges would have a similar impact on attracting tourists to north Mayo and called for the project to move forward this year.
Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly has reportedly made efforts to contact Fáilte Ireland. According to Loftus, the tourism body has given a commitment to try to fund the path but has not yet provided the necessary money. “We started the ball rolling with funding that went into the toilets at Downpatrick and they need to come up with the rest of the funding,” Loftus said.
Anna Connors, head of the Ballina Municipal District, said the council would follow up on Loftus’ request and write to Fáilte Ireland to clarify the timeline for the funding scheme. She also noted that a toilet waste disposal facility for campervans has been installed at Killala Quay and that relevant campervan applications and online platforms have been updated to promote the facility.
Loftus welcomed the funding for two eco‑toilets that will be located close to the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point at Downpatrick Head.
Article source: www.mayonews.ie | Image credit: www.mayonews.ie