The Achill Business Network has welcomed plans to construct a glass ‘skywalk’ overlooking Keem Bay at the furthermost westerly point on the island.
The group says the proposed viewing platform, which is to be developed as a key feature along the Wild Atlantic Way coastal touring route, would provide a major boost to tourism on Achill.
“Although there may be viewing platforms elsewhere around Europe and the world, this project will be totally unique in its design and will be mentioned alongside other pieces such as The Grand Canyon Skywalk in America, Dachstein Sky Walk in Austria, or the Aurland Lookout in Norway, to name just a few,” said Vincent English, chairperson of the Achill Business Network.
“Instead of people asking questions like ‘where is Achill?’, they will now be asking ‘how can I get there?’” said Mr English.
Mayo County Council unveiled its initial plans for the viewing platform at a public briefing day on the island last week.
Mr English said the project has been very well received so far.
Members of Achill Business Network are “broadly in favour of the proposed project and welcome the investment to Achill”, he outlined.
The project, although only in the very early stages of its design, is described as an enclosed, cantilievered, glass platform extending out over the cliffs at the top of Moiteóg Head.
The platform would give visitors the chance to enjoy the already popular location from a whole new, dizzyingly high, point of view.
Speaking about the project at a recent meeting of Mayo County Council’s tourism policy committee, Joanne Grehan, from the Mayo Enterprise and Investment Unit, said the viewing point has the potential to become Ireland’s most iconic, ‘must see’ visitor attraction.
