Town drives onto tourism map

THE west Limerick town of Askeaton is about to park itself on the international tourism map.

From this week it will provide the only service base in this country for tourists who holiday in motorhomes.

The town expects the €5,000 spent on developing the service base will yield a big dividend with more visitors using it as a stop-over during their travels around Ireland.

Local public representative, Cllr Kevin Sheahan, who is chairman of Limerick County Council, will officially unveil the Aire De Service, the brainchild of local tour guide Anthony Sheehy, on Tuesday next.

The county council in conjunction with the community, has provided the service point as part of its development of the €5.66 million Askeaton pool and leisure centre.

Aires De Services are a common feature in towns and villages across mainland Europe and Britain but are virtually unheard of in Ireland. Mr Sheahan said: “By developing this facility, the people of Askeaton have tapped into a form of tourism that is becoming increasingly popular.”

He said an increasing number of Europeans were moving away from budget package holidays and opting to go on self-drive holidays and the service point would help establish the town as a centre for tourism in west Limerick.

He said the service point would help showcase many tourist attractions, including the Franciscan Friary and the Desmond Castle.