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JOINED-UP thinking about rural regeneration and tourism development was called for for the West Clare area, when municipal district members met recently.
Councillor Joe Garrihy asked that the new national ‘Town Centre First’ policy might be examined in light of all of the existing local tourism development strategies in order to make sure their objectives are aligned.
The Lisdoonvarna man called for a meeting with representatives of Fáilte Ireland, the Council’s tourism team and the management of the Cliffs of Moher to look at how the new policy aligns with documents including the Clare Tourism Strategy and plans for the future growth of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and coastal tourism.
“I might be tilting at windmills, but I would like to see how the different objectives would be knitted together,” he said. “It’s a little foggy for me and I’m seeking clarity. I see a lot of strategies and there are exponential benefits if these align. However, I see a detrimental impact if these plans are not aligned.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Ian Lynch, who agreed that a joined-up approach is needed. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Cillian Murphy also expressed his support. “I suppose the thrust of this is who is using who,” he said.
“Is tourism there to deliver town centre vibrancy or just to create tourism products? It would be a shame not to align our different strategies. We also have to look at every objective in the new County Development Plan in light of the Town Centre First policy.”
Responding to the motion, Director of Services for Rural Development, Leonard Cleary said there will have to be a joint approach to the implementation of the new policy. He described it as “another string to the bow of Clare County Council”.
“In respect of the link between attracting visitors and developing communities, he said: “Tourism must be a catalyst for the economy to deliver for towns and villages”.
In a written reply to the motion Mr Cleary said the Council welcomes the Town Centre First approach. “Further details are awaited on the scheme in order for a decision to be made on the application process and which Council Department is best suited to lead on the scheme,” the response stated.
“This will need to align closely to the County Development Plan and the Economic Development function in the Council. Tourism is also an important consideration. Once this detail is available, the proposal for research on the impact of the Policy on future tourism related strategic plans and policies can be progressed. The methodology for this research needs to have regard to existing structures and avoid duplication.”
Mr Cleary’s reply listed the documents with which Town Centre First must align as the county tourism strategy, as well as the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040; the Burren & Cliffs of Moher VEDP and the ‘Cliff Coast’ plan.
“There is Elected Member representation on these structures including West Clare Municipal District,” the reply noted.
“Also, as appropriate there is community, tourism industry and Fáilte Ireland representation. Clare County Council supports each of these structures and does not have the capacity to support another duplicate structure for the same task under West Clare Municipal District.
“It is important that the County Tourism Strategy 2030 is the strategic policy document guiding tourism in the County and that the convening of research on this is undertaken under its auspices and existing structures. The Council’s Tourism Department has this executive function not the West Clare Municipal District.
“The staff capacity involved in developing these strategies at present is significant and administrative prioritisation is required. Having outlined the logistical feasibility of the proposed workshop in the Motion, the West Clare Elected Members will have ample opportunity to input in a meaningful way through the above structures. The West Clare Municipal District office will support the Elected Members in inputting and being briefed fully.”
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