merrion street

The significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming is expected to continue to grow year on year, and not just during the summer months.  This means all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be in huge demand. 

To meet this demand Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland are today announcing a major new investment worth €19million.  The funding will be used to build world-class facility centres at 22 locations across the country where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction. (see full list in notes to editor).  

Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points.  

They will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainability best practices such as solar heating panels to meet ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards’*. 

This investment scheme, developed in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities, will support the local economy and the outdoor activity sector by significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience, providing new business opportunities in local communities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.   

A second phase is expected to commence in 2023 under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth capital investment programme.* 

Officially launching the €19million investment, Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin T.D. today said:  

“Ireland is world-class when it comes to providing water-based activities which are enjoyed by local communities and visitors along our stunning coastline, rivers and lakes. We’ve seen a significant upward trend in people enjoying outdoor water activities over the last year and we know the appeal of the outdoors will continue to grow post-COVID19 so we must ensure the Irish experience meets and exceeds visitor expectations. 

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 allowing 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.” 

Paul Kelly, CEO Fáilte Ireland said:      

“Our temperate climate can offer year-round quality outdoor experiences.  In order for Ireland to be recognised internationally as a best-in-class activity destination it is critical that we invest in building a sustainable activity infrastructure, compelling visitor experiences and developing the capacity of activity providers.   

This investment scheme will not only strengthen our appeal as a country with strong outdoor water-based activities and facilities, it will also create new opportunities for activity operators that will benefit local jobs and businesses while helping to spread visitors across the regions.  Today’s announcement outlines Phase 1 of this scheme, which has an expected completion date of Summer 2022 and we will look at a potential second phase in 2023.”  

Moira Murrell, Chair of the CCMA Rural Development, Community, Tourism, Culture and Heritage (RCTCH) Committee stated:  

“Local Authorities are looking forward to commencing development of the Platforms for Growth Facility Centres, which will boost the appeal of many rural locations around Ireland for water sports and water-based activities. Amenities like this are not only of benefit to visitors but also to the local community, and we look forward to creating further opportunities for participants and providers of water-based activities and further strengthening our nationwide appeal as a world class activity tourism destination.” 

[ENDS] 

For more information please contact: 

Trudi McDonald, Communications Officer, Fáilte Ireland 

Trudi.mcdonald@failteireland.ie /086 067 3964 

Notes to Editor  

Fáilte Ireland   

As the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland’s role is to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland. Tourism is of critical importance to the national economy and to regional development and employment. Pre-coronavirus, the sector generated revenue of €7.5billion annually and supported 260,000 jobs nationwide while contributing €1.7billion to the Exchequer.        We work in partnership with Government, State agencies, Local Authorities, representative groups and industry, to develop tourism across Ireland by creating destination development plans and networks, investing in infrastructure, activities, visitor attractions and festivals.  Fáilte Ireland also provides consumer and buyer insights, mentoring, business supports and training programmes and buyer platforms to help tourism businesses innovate and grow.         In addition, Fáilte Ireland supports Business Tourism, managing the bidding for and securing of larger conferences, meetings and events to be hosted in Ireland.        We are also responsible for domestic holiday marketing across four regional experience brands: Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.      

Platforms for Growth  

Platforms for Growth is funded under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy with the aim of driving sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector and higher revenue and job creation around Ireland. 

It is unlike any previous investment announced by Fáilte Ireland, as it specifically targets ‘platforms’ or projects that have the greatest potential to grow tourism across Ireland and fill gaps in the Irish tourism offering to meet changing visitor preferences. 

The programme of investment is Fáilte Ireland’s largest yet, and forms part of its Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects which runs up to 2022. 

Eligibility Criteria 

Locations deemed eligible to apply for this scheme must meet the following criteria: 

1. Two or more Commercial Water Sports Activity Operators operating at or in proximity to the site in the 2019 season.   

1. The right of the Local Authority to undertake the project at the site location.  

1. Blue Flag or Green Coast or Potential Blueway* candidate locations or Well-Established Destinations for Water Sports Activities.  

1. Proximity to accommodation, food and drink providers  

1. Proximity to e.g. visitor attractions and experiences and other things to do and see in the locality   

Nearly Net Zero Building Standards 

‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ means a building that has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby. For more information visit: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/standards/nearly-zero-energy-building-standard/