Water we talking about?
We can look forward to some wet summers in the coming years with two new world-class outdoor water activity centres planned for county Cork.
The centres will be located at Claycastle in Youghal and Garrylucas Beach in Ballinspittle and are part of a €19 million project to develop 22 new centres nationwide.
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland announced the project this week in line with growing demand for outdoor water-based activities in Ireland such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming.
The two Cork locations will be developed in partnership with Cork County Council with each centre providing hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points.
The centres will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainability best practices such as solar heating panels.
Welcoming the news, Mayor of County Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said as Ireland’s “maritime haven”, Cork is blessed with many natural assets including a long and spectacular coastline.
“This represents an important opportunity for significant economic growth with adventure tourism considered one of the fastest growing and most exciting sectors within the Irish tourism industry,” the Mayor said.
The investment scheme aims to support local economy and the outdoor activity sector by enhancing visitor experience, providing new business opportunities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.
A second phase of funding and development is expected to commence in 2023 under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth capital investment programme.
Launching the investment, Minister Martin said Ireland is “world-class” when it comes to providing water-based activities and that demand will continue to grow post-Covid-19.
“The scale of the investment I am announcing today will have a key role in Ireland’s recovery. It is also important to note that the facility centres will be sustainable, accessible and integrate into the natural environment of their locations,” said the Minister.
Paul Kelly, CEO Fáilte Ireland added: “Our temperate climate can offer year-round quality outdoor experiences. In order for Ireland to be recognised internationally as a best-in-class activity destination, it is critical that we invest in building a sustainable activity infrastructure and compelling visitor experiences.”