An Achill based councillor expressed his disappointment this week at the failure to mention Achill in an advertorial on the Wild Atlantic Way in a Sunday newspaper - despite the Advertorial using a large picture of Keem Bay to promote the Wild Atlantic Way in the piece.
Cllr Paul McNamara told the July meeting of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District this week that: "It is an insult to the people of Achill that it was used and not mentioned."
He told the meeting that he wasn't having a hit at towns like Westport which were mentioned and that he was in favour of all tourism, but said: "My point being it is an insult to the people of Achill that Achill is used as marketing for both Westport and Connermara and every other area along the Wild Atlantic Way and not even be mentioned."
He also said he was disappointed that the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point that was announced for Keem Bay in 2014 seemed to be no further along than when it was announced and commented that: "Our discovery point was announced in 2014 for Keem Bay. There was one in Downpatrick Head that was completed and the process started in 2014 and it is no longer on - I think if Keem Bay could be floated up to Clew Bay it could happen. But it is not going anywhere, let's show the people in Achill the recognition it deserves."
He asked that the council write to Failte Ireland to ask them that whenever Keem Bay is used in marketing advertorials like this, that it be mentioned in the copy.
Erris based Cllr Gerry Coyle backed Cllr McNamara and added that he was disappointed that Erris wasn't mentioned in the advertorial too.
Director of Services for Mayo County Council said the council would write to the relevant body and on the discovery point, she said she hoped in the coming months she would be able to come into the council chamber and give the outline of the project that would please everybody, in regard to the scope and breadth of what is planned.
