'The biggest project to ever hit county Waterford' - Council discuss potential new tourism offering
Plans to link Crough Wood with Mahon Falls and to Bunmahon through the Greenway have been in the works for a number of years.
The future of tourism in rural Waterford was discussed at a meeting of Waterford City and County Council last week, where various projects and potential amenities were discussed.
Providing campervan facilities on the Copper Coast was raised, alongside a separate project, which was described as "the biggest to ever hit County Waterford".
Plans to link Crough Wood with Mahon Falls and to Bunmahon through the Greenway have been in the works for a number of years, with Cllr Liam Brazil at the forefront of calls to get the amenity funded and delivered.
He reiterated the call this week, emphasising how important linking the Comeragh mountains to the sea via the route could be for tourism in rural Waterford.
“If we can get Bunmahon linked to Mahon Falls I think it would be the biggest thing that has happened in County Waterford in a long time. I do believe that groups are in favour of this, landowners are in favour and everybody wants to be involved.
“This would be the biggest project to ever hit County Waterford if we can sell it right to the relevant departments to fund it. We as a council should be out there pushing the buttons and see where money can be got, how much money can be got and how fast can we do it.”
It was confirmed at the meeting that Waterford Council would look at obtaining funding to try to advance the project next year.
Also raised at the meeting was the necessity for campervan parking along the Copper Coast.
Cllr Liam Brazil suggested that Annestown, Kilmurrin or Bonmahon be considered for campervan parking facilities, whilst Cllr Seanie Power added that at present campervans are resorting to parking on roads, which is obstructing gates for farmers.
Cllr Declan Clune added: "I think we should look at every option because it would enhance the offering of the area and support local businesses, cafes, pubs, restaurants."
Aisling O'Sullivan, Senior Executive Planner with Waterford Council, said that the Council "will engage with anybody who is looking to facilitate those types of developments".
