The announcement of nine new tourist traffic ambassadors for North Clare by Clare County Council has been welcomed by local councillors at last week’s July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District (MD). Six ambassadors commenced work at various locations across North Clare on July 8 and the council say they hope to appoint three more staff imminently. The posts are operational on a seven days a week basis with extended hours at busier times of the year.
The tourist traffic ambassadors’ primary function is to direct visitor traffic. However, they are also expected to share information about local tourist attractions, culture, history, and other points of interest in the region. It is hoped they will assist and inform visitors as well as help create positive experiences for them ensuring they feel welcome during their visit.
The part-time ambassadors who are employed on a seasonal basis have already provided data revealing “significant numbers” of tourist traffic are being directed to use unsuitable local roads to reach their destination.
However, North Clare councillors continue to highlight traffic safety issues in that part of the county.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) in a motion called on the West Clare MD Ennistymon area to address “as a matter of urgency” safety issues at key heavily trafficked junctions and intersections across the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global GeoPark which is of particular concern due to the large volumes of tourist traffic during the summer months.
He said he broadly welcomed the introduction of the ambassadors and the local authority looking at “low-hanging fruit” and low-cost measures like arrows on the road, safety at key junctions, hedge cutting, providing overflow car parks provided at Doolin and carrying out overlay works on roads, saying such measures have “huge impact” on communities.
However, he said it was “very frustrating” it took so long to get it done.
“As part of the North Clare Integrated Transport and Traffic Plan, the Ennistymon MD office and Clare Tourism Development DAC have been very active in recruiting and putting in place Tourism Traffic Ambassadors to direct traffic at identified heavily trafficked junctions and intersections, as well as to play a crucial role in promoting our tourist destinations and enhancing visitor experiences,” said John Corry Acting Senior Executive Officer West Clare MD.
“These junctions and intersections have historically caused difficulties with large tourist traffic volumes being guided by navigational systems to use unsuitable local roads. Six such ambassadors commenced on location on Monday July 8 last and very quickly they have gathered valuable data which shows very significant numbers of tourist traffic were being directed to use unsuitable local roads to reach their destination.
“Interviews have been held to recruit more such ambassadors and it is proposed to appoint a further three within the next week. The post are operational on a seven days a week basis according to a monthly roster published in advance with extended hours at certain times according to seasonal and business requirements. The ambassadors are employed on a part-time seasonal basis.”
He also confirmed that 12 beach operatives are being employed in the MD during the 2024 season, focusing on the upkeep of facilities and welcoming visitors.
Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) in a separate motion, asked the council to make a presentation on preparedness for the summer tourist season including information on the new ambassadors. He said he wants an assessment of the initiative to see how successful it is as the season goes on.
Sharon Dolan D’Arcy covers West Clare news. After completing a masters in journalism at University of Galway, Sharon worked as a court reporter at the Sligo Weekender. She was also editor of the Athenry News and Views.