The announcement that two Mayo locations - Keel, Sandybanks, in Achill and Carrowmore beach in Lousiburgh, have been chosen as two of twenty two new water sports centres to be developed nationally as part of a €19 million project - has been welcomed.
Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary said: "I am delighted that these locations have been chosen. Mayo is ideally placed to benefit from the significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming.
"There is growing all-year-round demand for these activities. This means all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be necessary to attract visitors.
"Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment wash down and orientation points.
"They will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainable materials such as solar heating panels to meet ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards’.
"A second phase is expected to commence in 2023 under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth capital investment programme and I will support the inclusion of further locations in this region in the scheme. I commend all involved in Mayo County Councils on these applications."
His constituency colleague, Fine Gael Deputy Michael Ring, also welcomed the announcement, saying: "This funding will result in a huge boost for the local economy and the outdoor activity sector," and his party colleague Deputy Alan Dillon also welcomed the projects.
Announcing the funding Minister Catherine Martin said: "The scale of the investment I am announcing today with Fáilte Ireland will have a key role in Ireland’s recovery.
"It will support the local economy and the outdoor water-based activity sector by significantly improving the overall visitor experience, providing new business and job opportunities in local communities, particularly in rural areas and allow for an extension of the traditional tourism season beyond the summer months.
"It is also important to note that the facility centres will be sustainable, accessible and integrate into the natural environment of their locations."
