Great news announced today that over 22 locations nationwide are to avail of state-of-the-art facilities for outdoor water-based activities. This is the dream for any water lovers and swimmers.
Over the past while, there has been a huge increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming and this is expected to continue to grow year on year, and not just during the summer months.
This means the news announced today will make many water lovers very happy to be able to avail of all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be in huge demand.
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland today announcing a major new investment worth €19million. The funding will be used to build world-class facility centres at 22 locations across the country where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction.
Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points. All these spaces will also be fully wheelchair accessible.
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin T.D. stated that
“Ireland is world-class when it comes to providing water-based activities which are enjoyed by local communities and visitors along our stunning coastline, rivers and lakes. We’ve seen a significant upward trend in people enjoying outdoor water activities over the last year and we know the appeal of the outdoors will continue to grow post-COVID19 so we must ensure the Irish experience meets and exceeds visitor expectations.
Paul Kelly, CEO Fáilte Ireland said:
“Our temperate climate can offer year-round quality outdoor experiences. In order for Ireland to be recognised internationally as a best-in-class activity destination it is critical that we invest in building a sustainable activity infrastructure, compelling visitor experiences and developing the capacity of activity providers.
Below are a list of the lucky 22 locations we can expect to see these facilities in:
Dublin
- Docklands Water Sports, North Wall Quay, Pontoons, Dublin 1
- DLRCC Killiney Beach Facilities Project, Killiney Beach, Killiney, Co Dublin
Ireland’s Ancient East
- Claycastle Sports Activity Facility, Claycastle, Youghal, Co. Cork
- Kilkenny Water Sports Hub, County Hall, John St, Kilkenny
- Tramore Water-Sports Activity Facility Centre, Promenade, Tramore, Co. Waterford
- Ardmore Water-Sports Activity Facility Centre, Public Car Park, Cois Tra, Ardmore, Co Waterford
- Curracloe Water Sports Activity Centre, Whitegap, Curracloe, Co. Wexford
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
- Ballycuggeran Sports Activity Facility, Ogonnelloe, Killaloe, Co. Clare.
- Acres Lake Activity Facility, Acres Lake, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim
- Dromineer Sports Activity Facility, Dromineer, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Wild Atlantic Way
- Kilkee Waterworld Activity Facilities, Waterworld, East End, Kilkee, Co. Clare
- GarryLucas Beach, Ballinspittle, Co Cork
- Tullan Strand Centre for Water Sports Activities Bundoran, Drumacrin, Tullan, Strand, Bundoran, Co Donegal
- Downings Water Sports Activity Facility, Cnoc Na Muirleog, Na Muirleog, Na Dunaibh, Co Donegal
- Corrib Sports & Adventure, Dyke Road, Terryland, Galway
- Ballybunion Beach Shared Facilities Centre, Men’s (South) Beach, Ballybunion, Co Kerry
- Fenit Beach Shared Facility Centre, Fenit Beach, Fenit, Co. Kerry
- Magherabeg Shared Facilities Centre, Magherabeg Lower, Castlegregory, Co Kerry
- Keel Facility Centre for Water Sports Activities, Keel Sandybanks, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
- Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh, Co Mayo
- Enniscrone Beach, Mackduff, Enniscrone , Co Sligo
- Rosses Point, County Sligo