Festival could make a big splash on the estuary

SECURING a new maritime festival on the Shannon Estuary would generate a multi-million tourism economic windfall for West Clare and the entire county, according to Councillor PJ Kelly.

Councillor Kelly proposed that Kilrush Urban District Council and tourism promotion agencies in the county should be requested to promote a maritime festival on the River Shannon.
Having attended the Galway stopover for the 20011 Volvo Ocean Race, Councillor Kelly noted the event netted in the region of €8 million for the West of Ireland.
Councillor Kelly also attended the Tall Ships event in Waterford where he had to abandon his car and use a park-and-ride facility because of huge crowds.
One of the sponsors for the Tall Ships event was the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly and Councillor Kelly believes statutory agencies in Clare should support any new similar event on the estuary.
He claimed the Shannon Estuary has deeper sheltered water and better handling facilities than Galway and Waterford and sees no reason why a major festival couldn’t be organised.
He was supported by Councillor Bill Chambers who felt this proposal is timely, while Councillor Pat Keane noted there are plans for a major national festival in 2016 to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising.
Councillor Christy Curtin pointed out this proposal fitted with plans to promote the heritage and history of the 16 islands on the estuary for tourists.
Kilrush Electoral Area chairman, Councillor Oliver Garry said the Shannon Estuary has one of the most sheltered expanse of water in Europe.
Acting senior executive engineer, Cyril Feeney stated Clare County Council in conjunction with Kilrush Town Council and other tourism promotion agencies in the county and the region, have and would continue to support and promote existing festivals and events.
“The concept of developing a maritime festival would need to be considered in detail. For an event of this nature to be a success, it would require significant input and resources from a number of organisations and local community interests.
“Arrangements can be made for exploratory discussions in relation to any such proposal and the feasibility of same with the relevant interested parties by contacting the community and enterprise directorate,” he said.
Over 600,000 supporters visited the race village in Galway during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover, with the crowd peaking at 62,000 people on the In-Port Race day alone. The seaside resort of Salthill drew a further 120,000 visitors to watch the dramatic close-combat race from the shoreline.
After months of lobbying and campaigning, Galway convinced race organisers it could stage a more spectacular closing ceremony finale to the 37,000 mile round the world race this year.