Clune says leaving Seven Heads off the WAW was ‘bizarre'

MEP DEIRDRE Clune has criticised Fáilte Ireland for not including the Seven Heads Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way route, describing it as ‘a bizarre decision’.

The Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South was in Courtmacsherry last weekend to visit the area and meet those behind the campaign to have the peninsula included on the route.

‘The Seven Heads is the only peninsula along the coast from the Old Head of Kinsale all the way to Malin Head which is entirely excluded from the Wild Atlantic Way route, a bizarre decision by Fáilte Ireland,’ she said afterwards.

Clune is also a member of the EU Tourism Taskforce, and says she has written to the head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan, asking her to meet with tourism interests and stakeholders in the area. 

Ms Clune promised to also raise the issue with newly appointed Minister with responsibilities for Tourism, Brendan Griffin.

‘I think it would be a positive step if we could get a meeting arranged between local stakeholders and Fiona Monaghan. Local residents of the Seven Heads area expressed their frustration and disappointment to me last Friday at the fact that the peninsula is not directly included on the signed Wild Atlantic Way Route. They feel it is impacting on the local economy,’ she told The Southern Star.

‘The Wild Atlantic Way has been a tremendous success drawing visitors from around the world and can bring much-needed revenue and tourism revenue to towns and villages along the route. 

‘Residents, tourism providers and stakeholders on the Seven Heads Peninsula feel that they have effectively been by-passed and that this is having a direct economic and social impact on the area. The peninsula has a rich beautiful and scenic landscape with a fascinating maritime history. With a little bit of engagement here, I think we can come to an amicable solution,’ the Cork politician said.