Lighthouse trial period may be extended

CLARE County Council director of services, Ger Dollard has not ruled out keeping Loop Head Lighthouse open to visitors for weekends during September. Mr Dollard was contacted by Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey, who suggested that the lighthouse remain open for longer than the trial period of July and August.
“The September opening has already been raised with us and we are assessing same,” Mr Dollard replied. “At best it will be weekends only but I am not in a position to make a definitive call on it just yet. If it can be accommodated we certainly will but there are a number of issues to be resolved, including staffing issues,” he explained.
“A number of constituents have been in touch with me asking if the trial period could be extended throughout September,” Deputy Carey said in his email to Mr Dollard. “Perhaps Clare County Council, together with your partners in Shannon Development and Loop Head Tourism, could re-evaluate your original position and extend the opening period into September.
“There is wonderful feedback from people who have visited the historic landmark since its opening. Business people throughout the peninsula are delighted with the dramatic surge in trade as a result of this most positive initiative,” Deputy Carey added.
Such has been the visitor numbers to Loop Head, people have had to wait for up to an hour before entering the lighthouse. Deputy Carey has expressed the hope that the iconic building will be open full-time next year.
“I note that all parties are committed to reviewing the trial opening and then deciding on how to proceed for 2012. I feel over time this could develop into a major tourist site, drawing strong numbers and helping to highlight the positives of the Loop Head Peninsula, an area that has already gained European recognition. There is wonderful feedback from people who have visited the historic landmark since its opening.
“This is a project that we can all get behind and while I understand there may be staffing and funding issues to be navigated, it should not deter from adding to our already strong tourist product here in Clare,” Deputy Carey concluded.