Progress on Wild Atlantic Way route

THE designation of the Wild Atlantic Way route along the west coast is making “significant progress”. Members of Clare County Council were told this week there have been 35 submissions made to date from tourism groups and councillors in relation to the Fáilte Ireland initiative.
At the meeting, Councillors Oliver Garry, Christy Curtin, Pat Keane and Gabriel Keating requested on a report on the progress to date on the route selection and the identification of appropriate loops off the route in Clare.
Ger Dollard, director of services outlined, “Significant progress has been made on this Fáilte Ireland initiative to designate a route along the west coast as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is intended that the main route would initially be determined and that the identification of loops would involve a further phase in the overall project. Consultants have been working with Fáilte Ireland and local stakeholders regarding the development of this route and it is expected that a draft route will be available very shortly for public consideration.”
In conjunction with the publication of the draft route, Fáilte Ireland, supported by Clare County Council and other agencies in the region, will be hosting a number of consultation evenings to obtain the views of the public on the draft route and on the concept of the Wild Atlantic Way.
At this point, two consultation events will be held in County Clare. While venues and times are subject to confirmation from Fáilte Ireland, the events are proposed to take place this Thursday in Kilkee from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and Friday in Doolin, from 11am to 2pm.
Mr Dollard encouraged members of the public to engage with the public consultation process.
Councillor Garry welcomed the progress of the project. Councillor Curtin insisted the main route would “stick to the description of the Atlantic Way”.
“The N67 on the coastline of North and West Clare fits this criteria, it borders the Atlantic and has all the scenery and it offers scope for loops to Loop Head, mid-Clare and the Shannon Estuary coastline.”
Councillor Keane reiterated the importance of having the route follow the Atlantic coast of Clare before heading towards Kerry. “Others out there would like to have it go in a different direction but we have to stake our claim,” he said. Councillor Keating echoed his fellow councillors’ call that the Wild Atlantic Way follow the coastline. “It’s important for once that we are not bypassed,” he stated.
Councillor Tom McNamara commented that the Wild Atlantic Way is a “great idea and a great way to promote tourism in Clare”. 
Councillor Johnny Flynn stated it is important that all counties along the route are treated equally.