Call for works at iconic but ‘neglected’ Mayo landmark
Aasleagh Falls gained famed for providing the backdrop to perhaps the most famous scene in.
Mayo County Council has been asked to deliver a proper carpark at the popular tourist attraction of Aasleagh Falls.
Describing it as along one of the most important tourist runs in Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way, Cllr Chris Maxwell expressed ‘awful disappointment’ at the way he said it had been neglected by both Mayo County Council and Failte Ireland.
At the September meeting of Westport Belmullet MD, Cllr Maxwell said he had been informed earlier this year that the amenity was set to get a new carpark and fencing as well as a general tidy up.
“I was told it would be done this summer but then it didn’t happen, and then the community was told to go and apply for ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme) funding, but this would be impossible to organise as the area straddles two counties and is not served by any particular community group.”
Cllr Maxwell declared: “I am calling on Failte Ireland to see what they can do to help out. They are going to invest €35 million in Westport, which is very welcome, but an awful lot of smaller areas are also crying out for little things to be done, such as Delphi, Louisburgh, Leenane and Silver Strand. If Failte Ireland has this money that can be put into Westport – and I wish them well with it – upgrading a few little things elsewhere also would make a big difference.”
He continued: “Aasleagh Falls is iconic, it is where the scene in was filmed. It wouldn’t take a lot of money to just tidy the place up. The road there is so historic as well, passing along the Sheeffry Pass, the Delphi Centre and wonderful hotel there and all that route into Louisburgh and on to the islands. It needs investment and Failte Ireland we know has the money.”
Cllr Maxwell urged management, “If ye can’t come up with the money, can ye put pressure on Failte Ireland to have Aasleagh Falls ready for next year.”
