Site proposed for new tourist centre at East Clare village

A site has been proposed for a new tourist centre and cafe on the shores of Lough Derg.

Councillors at Monday's Clare County Council meeting agreed to examine a report on the proposed refurbishment and extension of the Old Rectory, a protected structure in Mountshannon as a tourism interpretive centre and cafe for the East Clare area.

Cllr Pat Burke proposed the motion, which was seconded by Cllr Pat Hayes.

Cllr Burke went on to welcome the proposal, describing the potential of a “major flagship tourism project for the east of the county.”

A key issue going forward, he said, is the shortage of beds in the East Clare area, and he called on the government to step in and incentivise private investment in hotels and accommodation in the area. 

“It’s great to have daytrippers that’ll visit this tourism site, but it's not until people stay overnight that you get the real spin off.”

Cathaoirleach Pat Dowling also voiced his support for the project, saying it is his belief that “this will be a major landmark in East Clare going forward, and in the county and in the Mid-West region.”