Marine tourism strategy for west Cork unveiled

CORK county manager Martin Riordan has called on private investors to “climb onboard” a council plan to help promote the marine tourist industry.

He made the plea following the launch of a marine leisure infrastructure strategy for west Cork, which was compiled by the local authority along with the coastal and marine resource centre at UCC.

The manager said Cork’s coastline was an extremely valuable and under-utilised resource which should be used to build up marine tourism, with a potential spin-off of millions of euro for local businesses.

Mr Riordan said the council had identified potential sources of funding for various projects, including a number of government departments.

The Department of the Marine, in particular, has expressed a keen interest in the strategy.

However, he pointed out that significant developments could not be carried out without a large input from the private sector.

The county manager said he wanted the private sector to come forward with plans for marinas and other water-borne activities.

The council intends to implement recommendations in the report — instigated by assistant county manager Theresa White — which include the rejuvenation of existing facilities, creating opportunities for new developments and actively promoting the west Cork region as a marine leisure destination.

While development will be initially concentrated on west Cork, Mr Riordan said he was hoping projects would also be launched in other parts of the county.

Cork county mayor Cllr Tom Sheahan said the strategy was aimed at creating development in a coherent and sustainable manner, making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and resources.

“From the wild Beara Peninsula and uniqueness of Garnish Island to the sailing grounds and islands of Roaringwater Bay and Long Island Bay to villages and towns of Bantry, Glengarriff, Baltimore, Schull, Union Hall, Glandore, Courtmacsherry and many more, maritime activities have been an integral part of its past and present,” said Mr Sheahan.