Clare County Council has signed a contract with PS Carmody Contractors to commence the construction of a new water sports facility at Ballycuggaran, located on the shores of Lough Derg in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The €1.2 million development is expected to boost outdoor tourism in the region and provide essential amenities for water sports enthusiasts.
The facility, developed in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, will feature a range of modern amenities, including hot showers, accessible toilets, changing rooms, secure storage, and equipment washdown areas. A key focus of the design is accessibility, with provisions for full wheelchair access and the installation of solar photovoltaic panels to ensure sustainability.
Ballycuggaran, situated at the foot of the scenic rolling hills of East Clare, is one of the eight Blue Flag beaches in County Clare and has grown in popularity as a hub for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The location’s popularity has prompted the need for enhanced infrastructure to support the increasing number of visitors.
Construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks, following the official signing of the contracts on Wednesday, October 30. The new facility is expected to be completed by August 2025, according to Aldo Andreucetti, Clerk of Works at Clare County Council and Project Manager.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, expressed his excitement about the project: “Clare County Council is thrilled to partner with Fáilte Ireland on this development. Our vast experience in managing tourism-based facilities will help ensure that this new amenity strengthens our position as a prime location for outdoor water-based activities. It will also create significant new opportunities for local businesses and job creation.”
The Ballycuggaran Water Sports Facility is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth initiative, a program funded under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy. This scheme targets projects with the greatest potential to stimulate tourism growth across Ireland and enhance the country’s overall tourism offering.
Fiona Monaghan, Head of Product Development for Activities at Fáilte Ireland, emphasized the project’s importance for regional tourism: “Fáilte Ireland is dedicated to developing tourism in sustainable ways that enhance the visitor experience. Ballycuggaran and Lough Derg are key assets in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and this new facility will play a vital role in attracting both domestic and international visitors.”
The Ballycuggaran facility is the third water sports project to break ground under the Platforms for Growth scheme, which will see a total of 19 new facilities constructed across 13 counties. This initiative reflects the growing demand for outdoor tourism experiences and highlights the continued commitment to boosting Clare’s reputation as a premier destination for water-based activities.
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