MAJOR investments in tourism facilities in West and East Clare have been hailed as some of the highlights of the outgoing first citizen’s 12 months in office.
In an interview with The Clare Champion, Councillor Joe Cooney (FG) recalled the visit of Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys (FG) to West Clare last month to open the upgraded Loop Head Lighthouse Visitor Experience.
Funded by the Minister’s Department under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) scheme as part of Project Ireland 2040, with 25% match funding by Clare County Council, the completed works include the restoration and conservation of the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages and a new visitor hub with interpretation panels featuring stories from the local area. The total investment for this project is €1,623,800.
The Minister also visited the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre, where anew interpretive centre was recently completed along with the newly renovated stable block, a gardener’s maintenance building and public toilet facilities as well as the recently completed resurfacing of the public carpark and other ancillary service works. The total investment past and planned for this project is €4,205,828.
Stressing that building sustainable tourism products “don’t happen overnight”, the outgoing chairman said it was fantastic to see these two facilities opened last month.
Following the takeover of Shannon Heritage sites by Clare County Council, he described the upgrading of these facilities as “simply fantastic”.
However, the O’Callaghan’s Mills clubman admitted he is now getting representations from people about the road network leading to these tourism facilities that need to be upgraded so that visitors can come enjoy, stay in hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Signing the contract for the new Iniscealtra Visitor Centre in Mountshannon was another highlight.
“A lot of work has been done in relation to Iniscealtra over the last few years. That is coming to its final stage with the completion of the visitor centre by the end of this year or early in 2025, which is fantastic,” he said.
“Funding of almost €9 million was approved for Scariff, which was unbelievable.
“This will be a totally game changer for Scariff. We have been looking for a car park for Scariff for a long time, which is part of this project.
“When this funding is spent, it will improve Scariff, making it a better place to work, live and enjoy life and the most important thing is that it will benefit businesses and residents in Scariff.”
Welcoming progress with the Killaloe By-Pass and River Shannon Crossing, which he believes is vital for tourism, Clare and the Mid-West region, he looked forward to the official opening of this major piece of infrastructure next year.
“It was a very busy schedule since I took over as chairman 12 months ago. I enjoyed my time as chairman. It was an experience in one way being the chairman of the council as there is a lot involved in it,” he said.
“When you are representing your local councillors, council staff and Clare people both at home and abroad, it is a big achievement.
“I have carried out this role to the best of my ability. Through the work of our elected members and county council staff, the council has achieved great success in attracting funding for tourism development, roads projects or public realm regeneration work in towns and rural villages.” Councillor Cooney recalled his role promoting Clare tourism abroad last year.
“It was a particular privilege for me to represent the county overseas during my term as cathaoirleach. I was fortunate enough to be part of the council delegation to the Milwaukee Irish Fest last August. The Irish Fest was a wonderful showcase for Clare as a tourism destination and as a gateway to Ireland and Europe through Shannon Airport,” he said.
“We sold Clare outside the county as well, which was important. I took a number of flights to different parts of the United States of America, Canada and a few other places. We travelled a good bit but achieved a lot.
“The most important thing was we travelled through Shannon Airport. It was great to see how busy Shannon Airport has been over the last few years.
“Great credit is due to all the workers in Shannon Airport. It is an airport that needs to be progressed and has progressed a lot, but more needs to be done.”
Asked about the impact on family life over the last year, Councillor Cooney replied he works with his wife, Teresa and family as a team, which he has done over the last 20 years in various volunteering and GAA management roles.
Looking back over the last 12 months, he described working as council chairman was the greatest honour in my life.
Speaking at the council’s annual general meeting on Friday, he recognised the work of councillors who were not re-elected and welcomed new members.
“When I think about those who have held this office since Clare County Council first met in 1899, I realise how fortunate I am,” he said.
“It is a humbling thought but one that has driven me to carry out my role to the best of my ability.
“Every time I have put on the Cathaoirleach’s chain, I have done so knowing I represent everyone in this Chamber and in County Clare.
“I commend the work of our tourism directorate in going the extra mile to put Clare on the map at home and abroad and I I am available if there are any more trips planned for the year ahead.”
He thanked vice-chairman, Councillor Gabriel Keating, Chief Executive Pat Dowling, Ann Reynolds, Corporate Services, councillors and council staff, who contributed to various council and community-led projects during the year.
“We must continue to support our communities, look for new ways to support local businesses, promote our local tourism assets, and ensure that we drive the economic and social development of the county.
“It is only through such a partnership approach that we will continue to further enhance Clare as a place to visit, somewhere to rear a family, and somewhere to start a business,” he said.
He also acknowledged his wife, Teresa and three children, John, Conor and Gerry and their families for their unstinting support over the past year.
Congratulating all councillors on their election, Chief Executive, Pat Dowling recalled it was pleasure working with Councillor Cooney, who he described as a man of incredible humility and incredible political prowess in the way he dealt with people over the last 12 months in his role as chairperson.
Councillor Pat Hayes (FF)praised the work Councillor Cooney has completed as first citizen, stressing his continuous work ethic that could be seen through the county and the country.
“Councillor Cooney represented the county and council with huge dignity across so many forums and at so many events. Joe was very much part of a team and led by example,” he said.
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.