Walking the walk along the Clare coast

TOURISM in West and North Clare would benefit from the provision of a new looped walk from Loop Head to Black Head, according to Councillor Gabriel Keating.
Speaking at a recent Kilrush Electoral Area meeting, Councillor Keating said walking is becoming a very popular recreational activity and has huge spin-offs for tourism once it is properly promoted.
Councillor Keating proposed the provision of a walking route from Loop Head to Black Head should be developed to boost tourism in West Clare.
Following the opening of Loop Head Lighthouse for the first time in 351 years, he explained this provided the council with an ideal opportunity to develop the tourism product in the area. Two years ago, he recalled the possibility of developing these walking trails was identified at a meeting in Kilkee and he suggested a lot could be learned from the way walks are developed in England.
Councillor Pat Keane said a lot of work has been completed concerning the promotion of walks in West Clare, particularly in Kilkee. The Kilkee councillor said it is important to link up with other walks, such as ones in North Clare, to give people the option of taking a short or long walking route.
Stressing the need to go back to nature, he said in the last century there was a time when people used to walk from Loop Head to Spancilhill fair in Clooney.
“We have to put more facilities in place to cater for people who have more leisure time. If people spend more time walking, they would be a lot healthier, which would make a big difference for health services,” he said.
The link between the walks in West and North Clare was also supported by Councillor Christy Curtin.
Councillor P J Kelly, who also supported the initiative, joked if the new walking trail goes ahead, it could be known as the “Keating Path”.
Electoral area chairman, Councillor Oliver Garry noted a lot of people go abroad on walking trips. “Walking is becoming a very popular pastime and is a very good way to get fit,” he said.
Acting senior executive engineer, Cyril Feeney said one of the actions identified by the West Clare Task Force was a proposed walk from Loop Head to Kilkee.
This proposal reflects a strategic goal by Fáilte Ireland to develop a National Coastal Walk. However, Mr Feeney pointed out the development of these walks is dependent on obtaining agreement for access to the land and the dedicated resource of the rural recreation officer and the walks officer, who support these community initiatives in conjunction with all local agencies, including Clare County Council.
Under the West Clare Walks Initiative, national looped walks at Loop Head and Kilcredaun lighthouses are currently being developed. These looped walks are being funded by Fáilte Ireland, pending access agreements.
Additional looped walks at Kilkee and Lissycasey are currently being developed by Shannon Development. Each of these initiatives will enhance the tourism and recreational product available in West Clare.
Earlier in the meeting, director of service, Nora Kaye confirmed that Mr Feeney had made an application to secure funding to provide new signage and handrails for the picturesque cliff walk in Kilkee. The application was made under the Sustainable Travel Initiative, following a request from the Department of Transport for funding submissions under the scheme.
Subject to the availability of funding, Ms Kaye told councillors the authority hopes to provide these improvements in the coming year.
Welcoming this initiative, Councillor Pat Keane said it is great to see the council has a plan to improve the accessibility of the cliff walk in Kilkee. Councillor Bill Chambers also supported the work.