Greater hire car numbers needed to drive Clare tourism

A LACK of cars available for hire is a serious challenge for Irish tourism, according to Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy.
Councillor Mulcahy was one of a group of representatives from Clare, which also included Deputy Mayor of Ennis, Michael Guillfoyle; Shannon Mayor, Sean McLoughlin; county manager, Tom Coughlan; Ennis town manager, Ger Dollard and senior figures from the Mid-Western Regional Authority, that met with a number of tourism groups in the US last week.
“We met with Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Aer Lingus. Their biggest concern was about a shortage of cars for hire in the country. There is a need for about 22,000 but there are only about 12,000. Another huge problem is that there are almost no automatics available and golfers can’t get MPVs,” said Councillor Mulcahy.
He also said that the lack of rental cars was causing American holidaymakers to pick other destinations over Ireland.
Councillor Mulcahy added that they had sought to promote the Cliffs of Moher’s bid to be considered one of seven natural wonders of the world, while he said cost was another issue that was going to be critical for tourism.
“We have to look at what we’re charging and we have to make things more attractive for visitors. There’s a recession going on in other countries as well and money is tighter.”
However, he said he was confidant that this challenge could be met and that some outlets have already cut their prices.
“I know of two restaurants in Bunratty where a four course dinner and a half bottle of wine is available for €30. It would have been more expensive than that a few years back.”