Concern at delay in funding major tourism project in North Mayo

A North Mayo councillor has expressed concerns over whether Fáilte Ireland will follow through on funding to develop one of the most iconic coastal walks in the country between Downpatrick Head and the Céide Fields.

Cllr Michael Loftus raised the matter at the September meeting of Mayo Co Council, noting that 28 landowners and other members of the community had "worked so hard to develop this proposed route, but has been left hanging by Fáilte Ireland". 

"It is a 15km walk with 11 bridges that will make it one of the most fantastic projects in the county. 

"I am just concerned Fáilte Ireland are not looking at this quite seriously and that the funding will not be put in place by them. It was supposed to happen in 2025 but has still not happened in 2026.

“Have they been contacted and will they come up trumps with the money?"

Council chief executive Kevin Kelly said the delay was because Fáilte Ireland still has not announced its capital funding stream.

"So we have not been in a position to apply for funding, and we still don’t know when they will release it," he explained. "But planning is in place and the tourism team is working on some of the business case documentation with a view to submitting as soon as possible, once the funding is announced.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme