Clendennen says Bord na Móna must show greater commitment to Offaly tourism
Offaly councillor John Clendennen has welcomed the waiving of car park charges at Lough Boora Discovery Park, but he said it was "really only one small step, when we require a giant leap in Bord Na Mona’s commitment to tourism in the county".
The Fine Gael representative was speaking after Bord na Móna announced last Friday that the €5 parking fee for Lough Boora visitors was being removed.
"Lough Boora Discovery Park is a truly unique amenity with national appeal, and a key pillar of the tourism offering in Offaly," stated Cllr Clendennen.
The Birr-area councillor also acknowledged the new coffee shop operation at Lough Boora, as well as weekend bike hire there, but added that he firmly believed there was a lot more the semi-state agency needed to do to enhance its tourism offering in Offaly.
"I fully acknowledge Bord Na Mona’s commitment to innovation, diversity and investment in the local renewable energy sector, but we now must see a similar commitment to tourism, considering the land holding that Bord Na Mona holds in the county," he said.
Cllr Clendennen said he believed there was a hugely untapped potential that required strategic focus and collaboration between Bord Na Mona and Offaly County Council.
"I really have to question Bord Na Mona's commitment to tourism when I read their Annual Report for 2023, which makes 39 references to ‘energy’ in the eighty-six page document, whilst ‘ecotourism’ is mentioned once in the Chief Executives Statement, and there is absolutely no reference to ‘recreation’ or ‘trails’.
"In my opinion there are a number of actions that Bord Na Mona must prioritize and share with the local community as soon as possible, showcasing their commitment to Offaly."
There have been calls for a comprehensive Land Management Plan to be published for many years, outlining the preferred use of the organisation's lands.
Clendennen believes that if this plan was published it would give a renewed focus on tourism development in the county, and would also identify further opportunities for development that would benefit the area, while still protecting areas deemed to be of significantly rich cultural and archaeological heritage.
"Bord Na Mona have proven their ability to innovate and diversify their operations within the energy sector, we now must see a similar delivery within the tourism sector, as a crucial stakeholder and provider in Offaly.
"I have no doubt Bord Na Mona have the assets and financial capacity to deliver, but we now must see the appetite and energy to do so," concluded Cllr Clendennen.