Walking tourism could create 200 jobs, study finds

Two hundred new jobs and an €8m spin-off for the economy of West Cork would result from even a modest investment in the region’s walking tourism, according to a report to be launched this week.

The study says that although the region’s west coast has the attributes required for a successful hub for walking tourism which could facilitate both domestic and overseas visitors, it is under-exploited in comparison with other areas of outstanding natural beauty, both nationally and internationally.

However, a local development group has declared that it is prepared to invest around €1m in the sector within the next 18 months if Cork County Council and Bord Fáilte, as well as local communities and private business, come on board.

The report estimates walking trails and supporting services in this coastal area are currently generating €14m. However, according to the research commissioned by the development group West Cork Development Partnership, a “relatively modest” investment could increase the sector’s value to €22m within four years.

The study, entitled West Cork — Maximising the Benefits of Walking Tourism, will be launched in Glengarriff on Wednesday.

It also points to the need for better access from Cork City and Kerry to immensely scenic areas such as the Beara peninsula and the Sheep’s Head peninsula. “These areas would need to have better access from the airports, ferry terminals and railway stations,” said Ian Dempsey, chief executive of the West Cork Development Partnership.

Addressing these issues in a strategic way would increase the economic value of the West Cork walking tourism sector by about €8m in four years, he said, and create nearly 200 new full-time jobs.

“The total of current full-time jobs in the area stands at 353 but up to 200 more potential jobs could be created if these recommendations were carried out,” Mr Dempsey said.

He said WCDP was ready to invest about €1m in the sector over the next 18 months if further support was forthcoming.

“There are elements of this which come down to a co-ordinated approach by Cork County Council, WCDP and Fáilte Ireland along with private business and local communities.

“The private business sector needs to see the opportunities for development and to support initiatives which would develop this sector,” Mr Dempsey said.

In many cases, he said, local communities had already played “a very strong role” in the development of walking amenities, providing access to toilets and information signage and even car parking.

“That needs to continue. In overall terms there is a shared responsibility by the range of interests in West Cork to take responsibility for co-ordinating this.”

* Copies of the study will be available following the midweek launch and free to download at www.wcdp.ie