Worry at tourism revenue loss

Communities in West Cork could lose out on tourism revenue if Fáilte Ireland does not expand a proposed Atlantic Way project.

The tourist body is creating a special scenic driving route between Donegal and Cork with Baltimore either the first, or last, point of call.

However, county councillors plan to lobby Fáilte Ireland to get more parts of West Cork included in the drive after the situation was highlighted by Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan (FF).

“This is a massive opportunity for Cork,” he said. “The Atlantic Way could become iconic, like Route 66 in the USA. It’s vital from the council’s point of view that we capitalise on this.”

He said the route should be extended to include Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Leap, Glandore, Rosscarbery, Galley Head, Owenahincha, Courtmacsherry, Timoleague and Kinsale.

Council officials informed him they had set up a working group to liaise with Fáilte Ireland representatives, which he welcomed.

Cllr Dermot Sheehan (FG) said the project would help boost tourism jobs in peripheral areas.

Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) said every effort to expand route even further in Cork.

“There’s a huge coastline from West Cork down to Youghal and beyond into Waterford. The county doesn’t stop in West Cork,” he told his colleagues.

County manager Martin Riordan commended Fáilte Ireland for Atlantic Way.

“We need to think about what Fáilte Ireland will deliver at national level and what we can afford to do here. Wherever the Atlantic Way ends, we should link it up anyway with other coastal routes in Cork,” Mr Riordan added.