'Plan needed' for influx of campervans to popular Mayo tourist resort

An Achill councillor has called on Mayo Co Council to set out policy in relation to overnight parking of campervans, saying that a surge in numbers visiting the island could give rise to some of its beaches losing their Blue Flag status.

Speaking at last week's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Paul McNamara asked council management what bylaws are in place for campervans parking at beaches around Achill and at serviced private sites, adding: “We had the Battle for the Lake festival over last weekend but people reported they could not sleep because wild camping was going on around them. Who is responsible for camper vans because we are seeing a lot more of them and we love to see them coming to the area but we haven’t done anything to facilitate them.

"Since Covid, the numbers have definitely quadrupled. We have to provide proper facilities such as parking and waste because if we continue to ignore this situation we will end up losing our Blue Flags. You can’t have 20 to 30 campervans just parked along a Blue Flag beach and staying overnight. Our Blue Flag beaches were only achieved after we had to meet a lot of criteria and I feel we will fall down if we don’t address these issues.” 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Peter Flynn suggested that the topic be explored fully at a special meeting of the municipal district.

"This is a huge opportunity but also a huge challenge. Campervans are a massive industry now.” 

Cllr McNamara agreed: “They have to be catered for. Some refuse to use existing facilities, there were 30 or 40 at Keel not using them last weekend. We need a plan for the ever-changing tourism industry we see. Before it was tents, now it is campervans and families.” 

Cllr Gerry Coyle said it was important to remember that the children in those families “will grow up and maybe use hotels the next time” so the council needed to promote and build a good image and product for the future.

Cllr Flynn confirmed he would follow up with management to coordinate a special meeting where the topic could be dealt with.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.