Second Public Consultation On Holy Island Development plan

Tourism and community representatives are being invited to an upcoming public consultation on the preparation of a Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for Holy Island on Lough Derg.

Clare County Council will facilitate the event, the second such consultation to take place on the proposed plan, atMountshannon Community Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 27th.

Brian McCarthy, Senior Planner, Clare County Council explained, “Solearth Architecture has been engaged by the Council to prepare proposals in relation to improving access to the island and the provision of tourism facilities on or near the island, as well as proposals on the marketing and promoting of the Island as a visitor destination, while confirming its historical significance and protecting its built and natural heritage.”

“The purpose of the upcoming event will be to update the public on the progress made so far and to consult regarding the main options for moving the project forward, particularly in terms of protecting the island and managing visitors to it, options for a visitor centre and project implementation, including marketing and promotion,” he added.

Commenting on the upcoming consultation Brian O’Brien (lead Architect) of Solearth Architecture, said, “Having been commissioned by Clare County Council, we have been working, over recent months, towards a long-term vision and plan for Holy Island. We are tasked with developing a vision and plan that both maintains and protects the cultural heritage and natural assets of the Island and also develops opportunities for local economic development.”

“Next week’s consultation drop-in will enable interested parties to listen to and offer ideas and opinions regarding archaeology, landscape, wildlife and biodiversity, cultural heri