West Cork and Kenmare get five-year plan to boost tourism from Fáilte Ireland

The South West region (Cork and Kerry) had 4.7 million tourists in 2019

Sheen Falls in Kenmare: Fáilte Ireland has a 'Food in Tourism' plan for West Cork and Kenmare.

West Cork and Kenmare are to be the focus of a new five-year plan by Fáilte Ireland to drive and sustain tourism.

The West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) was launched on Thursday in Rosscarbery — with Fáilte Ireland saying it captures "unique themes that are central" to the regions.

A number of stakeholders were contributors to the plan, including Cork and Kerry county councils, Pure Cork, and several local groups.

Fáilte Ireland data from 2019 indicates the South West region (Cork and Kerry) has 4.7 million tourists in 2019 (of which 50% are overseas) and €1.5m in tourist spend (of which 64% is from overseas tourists).

Some 57% of respondents to the West Cork Coast survey in that 2019 data said their visit to the area exceeded expectations — which is well above the national average and Wild Atlantic Way as a whole.

The 100-page plan will involve a number of existing projects which will see improved facilities for walking, hiking and watersports — with the implementation of the Beara Breifne Way masterplan a key factor.

Furthermore, plans are in place to mark Kinsale as the start/end of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Sharon and Joan O'Rourke of Bantry Bay Charters, Josephine O’Driscoll of Wild Atlantic Way Fáilte Ireland and David O'Brien of Local Link Cork at the launch of Fáilte Ireland's West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

Earlier this week, it was confirmed Fáilte Ireland is  hoping to make Cork a 'must do' destination for food.

It has put in a 'Food in Tourism' plan for West Cork and Kenmare as part of this.

The DEDP also features plans to develop an integrated transport system and all-weather experiences to help extend the length of the tourism season.

Among those plans are enquiries about the introduction of further blueways and greenways throughout West Cork.

However, as of Thursday, October 26, none of the projects referred to within the plan have secured funding from Fáilte Ireland

Speaking at the launch, Fáilte Ireland director of regional development Paul Keeley said: "The implementation of the Beara Breifne Way Masterplan, the Food in Tourism Action Plan and the development of outdoor and all-weather experiences will further strengthen West Cork and Kenmare’s reputation as an internationally compelling destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Fáilte Ireland is committed to and focused on the sustainable development of tourism across Ireland, which is an important economic driver and source of employment. 

West Cork and Kenmare DEDP co-chairs Des O’Dowd and Neil Lucey said: "We look forward with confidence to the implementation of the West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan. 

We value tourism in West Cork and Kenmare, and its significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the area. 

"The plan sets out the actions, priorities and future investment for the area and is designed to not only enhance the visitor’s experience but also for the benefit of the local communities who live and work here."

The West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan has been developed through a collaborative approach and will be dependent on local tourism businesses, stakeholders and local communities working with Fáilte Ireland to implement this plan over next five years.