The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Clare County Council has commenced work on developing a walkway along the shore of Lough Derg from Killaloe to Ballycuggeran and Two Mile Gate.
The existing 0.5km walkway runs from the centre of Killaloe to Brian Ború’s Fort (Beal Ború). Work on the 1.8km extension to the walkway is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
The €100,000 project is funded under a €2 million stimulus package recently announced by the Government for the development of tourism in the Lakelands Lough Derg Region.
Councillor John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, has welcomed the project, adding that it is part of a “coordinated approach to enhancing the overall tourism infrastructure around Lough Derg.”
He continued: “The new walkway, in conjunction with the development of new walking routes and the erection of new signage around the lake, is aimed at creating a greater sense of arrival and enhance the visitor experience in exploring the area. This work is being undertaken on the three counties of Clare, Tipperary and Galway that border the lake and will greatly assist in attracting increased numbers of visitors to the region.”
Monica Meehan, Senior Executive Officer, Clare County Council added: “Clare County Council is a member of the Lough Derg Marketing Group (LDMG) which is responsible for the implementation of ‘A Roadmap for Experience Development and Destination Marketing 2014-2017’ for Lough Derg. One of the key objectives outlined in the roadmap is to improve orientation around the lake for visitors. This extended walkway taps into the growing walking tourism market and provides an additional recreational outlet for the people of Killaloe and surrounding areas.”
Clare County Council says works will continue along the route of the extended walkway during the coming weeks.
Hugh McGrath, Killaloe Area Engineer explained: “An essential component of this project involves trimming back existing overgrown vegetation as well as removing dangerous or overhanging tree limbs and some trees to protect the existing and future users of the road and walkway. This work will enable the council to clear the roadside verge ahead of putting in place a paved walkway. While we understand that these necessary works may be of some inconvenience to road users over the next few weeks, we believe the completed project will serve as a positive tourism and local amenity for years to come.”
