Ciaran Mullooly: Proper investment in recreation infrastructure is vital

Ciaran Mullooly is a journalist and former RTÉ news correspondent. He is also a founder of the award-winning Lough Ree Access For All social enterprise project providing access to the waterways on a specially-designed boat for people with disability and mobility issues

Ciaran Mullooly has been a boat skipper on a boat the Shannon for 18 years and, as the co-founder of the Lough Ree Access For All boat, believes there’s a need for greater investment in the outdoor recreation area in the region

I’m a lucky man, and I admit it. In the course of my day job I drive around the countryside constantly in awe of the fantastic landscapes we have at our disposal and the obvious potential for these locations to create an even greater tourism impact on our economy. Anyone who has ever gone through the locks along the River Shannon, meandered in a boat into Lough Key near the Forest Park in Boyle, or driven into the harbours and marinas at Portrunny or Ballyleague, doesn’t need me to tell them about the vast beauty of the place and the majestic sights that fill your eyes with absolute amazement on any such visit. I remember well the first time I drove up to the Arigna Mining Experience Centre and, looking back down the valley, thought for a minute I was in Wales with the thousands of tourists who trek in the valleys there each year. This corner of Ireland has as much going for it as any part of that British landscape had we only the investment for Fáilte Ireland to promote, market and signpost it just a little bit better.

A new €15 million funding scheme has been announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, to promote all sorts of outdoor adventure activities and give a major boost to rural tourism around the country. The big idea in the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is to develop activities on mountains, lakes, beaches, bogs, forest walks and greenways which will not only attract walkers and trekkers, but make them want to stay in the area overnight and spend a few bob with the locals. The projects covered include hiking, mountaineering, equestrian trails, cycling and rock climbing, all of which could happen on any square of the land at Arigna, Kilteevan, Sliabh Bawn, Boyle or Donamon. Water-based projects include kayaking, swimming, tidal pools, surfing, paragliding and hang-gliding, all of which could be easily centred in Hodson Bay, Doon shore or Ballyleague, Portrunny or Lecarrow. The potential for expansion of the tourism fare is endless.