Public consultation starts on Cliffs Of Moher 2040 strategy

AN extensive public consultation process has commenced as part of the development of a sustainable long-term masterplan for the Cliffs of Moher.
Clare County Council is working, with consultancy firm Haley Sharpe Design, to prepare the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040.
The focus of the work to date has been on preliminary research, on-site investigations, and desk-top studies to understand the challenges facing the Cliffs of Moher and to identify potential opportunities for helping to realise future aspirations.
A four-month consultation process involving local communities, organisations, businesses, and residents, to facilitate participation in this listening process commenced this week. The process includes online workshops, feedback sessions, focus groups, written submission and surveys.
“The consultation phase of the strategy is a key stage of the process,” explained Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development, Clare County Council.
“Initial meetings have taken place this week with a series of other meetings and workshops to follow over the next three to four months,” he added. “The level of interest and participation shown by tourism, business and community groups and businesses in these early stages of the process bodes well for the development of an inclusive and sustainable strategy for the future development of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and wider tourism sector.”
Among the key stakeholders participating in the consultation process is the Burren Ecotourism Network (BEN), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NWPS), Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), Fáilte Ireland, County Clare Tourism Recovery Taskforce, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, and all staff and tenants of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, as well as staff of the Planning, Roads and Tourism departments of Clare County Council. We are inviting the public to have their say and make submissions.
Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, commented, “The public’s participation in this consultation process is crucial to everybody’s aspirations for the Cliffs being considered as part of the final strategy. It is intended that the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 will focus on creating world-class experiences, enhancing the special qualities of the site and growing the Cliffs of Moher’s contribution to the county in a sustainable way.”
To register interest please email, com2040@haleysharpe.com. Full details of the consultation process for the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 may be viewed online at www.cliffsofmoher.ie.