05. Tourism & Recreation

General Tourism Policies

TRP 1

To work in partnership with local, national and international agencies/bodies to promote County Mayo as a tourist destination and to support and encourage cohesion and linkages between the relevant agencies/ bodies to implement the key tourism objectives of this Plan.

TRP 2

To support and promote sustainable tourism development, accessible to all throughout the county and work in partnership with tourism organisations and adjoining Local Authorities, where necessary, in securing the development of tourism enterprises and infrastructure, subject to suitable locations where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network, residential amenity or visual amenity.

TRP 3

To support the work of Fáilte Ireland and the strategic growth of tourism development in the county through:

1. To support the implementation of the Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Strategy.
2. The implementation of Fáilte Irelands Destination & Experience Development Plans

(EDP’s) for Clew Bay and North Mayo/Erris.

TRP 4

To co-operate with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and any other relevant bodies in the implementation of Destination Mayo 2016-2021 by:

1. Encouraging investment in the tourism industry in the county with specific reference to leisure activities (including walking, cycling, equestrian and family focused activities), including connectivity to the Great Western Greenway at Castlebar to Westport and to the Wild Atlantic Way.
2. Encouragement and support of the upgrading of public transport facilities in Destination Towns, including the provision of Transport Hubs/Links.
3. Supporting the development of new and emerging tourism products and facilities or upgrading/extension of existing tourist facilities at tourist sites within the county, within proper planning and sustainable development principles.
4. Require the preparation and assessment of all planning applications arising from the Destination Mayo strategy to have regard to the information, data and requirements of the Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Report and SEA Environmental Report of the Destination Mayo Strategy.

TRP 5

To support the delivery of high quality ‘destination town’ experiences for visitors by supporting expansion in accommodation and facilities within Destination Towns and supporting infrastructural investment, including improvements to the public realm, transport links, accommodation, the night-time economy and the sustainable development of our natural and built heritage.

TRP 6

To promote and support the continued strategic development of Westport, Ballina and Castlebar as tourist destinations through:

1. Supporting the enhancement of Westport as a major tourism centre in the West of Ireland, building on its reputation as one of Ireland’s premier visitor destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way, as a heritage town and gateway to areas of outstanding natural and built heritage.
2. Supporting the development of Westport’s key assets e.g. Westport House Demesne, Quay area, extension of the Great Western Greenway and additional greenway linkages e.g. Westport-Cong Trail and National Coastal Path.
3. Exploration of the development potential of Westport and Ballina harbour areas in terms of marine related tourism and extensive marine resources.
4. Promote the significant tourism potential of Ballina and its location as a prominent stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, a gateway to Northwest Mayo, the Céide Fields, and internationally renowned salmon fishing, through investment in tourism related infrastructure, including Monasteries of the Moy Greenway from Belleek to Killala, incorporating EuroVelo1 Atlantic Coastal Route, Mountain Biking Trail via Ballina connecting the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park to the National Mountain Bike Trail at Coolaney and ongoing development of the Wild Atlantic Way, including Discovery Points at Crockets Town.
5. Promote the development of Castlebar as a nationally important Sports Tourism and Adventure Hub, including leveraging existing sports assets and existing natural and built facilities at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.
6. Promote the development of Castlebar as a nationally important events, conference and business tourism hub, including through leveraging existing local assets such as Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Castlebar Campus, Castlebar Regional Training Centre, Breaffy House Resort, the Royal Theatre, and expanding the scale and capacity of hotel and other accommodation within the town.
7. To support the implementation of the feasibility study entitled Moy estuary, A Development Strategy, where appropriate.

TRP 7

To encourage the clustering of tourism products and services within identified hubs, to facilitate the sharing of infrastructure and services where possible, to increase linkages within and reduce leakage from the local economy.

TRP 8

To work with the relevant authorities to promote the concept of creating Ireland’s first “National Marine Park” in Killala Bay, from Easley Head to Kilcummin Head. This would enhance the Economic, Environmental and Social values of Killala Bay and promote the understanding and enjoyment of those special qualities by the public.

General Tourism Objectives

TRO 1

To work with all relevant stakeholders and Fáilte Ireland to facilitate the erection of standardised signage for tourism facilities and tourist attractions as part of national and regional initiatives.

TRO 2

To enable, facilitate and encourage the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector, through supporting the provision of tourism enterprise developments in rural areas including open farms, subject to the provision of adequate infrastructure and compliance with normal planning considerations.

Tourism Categories

Infrastructure, Services and

Accommodation

PriorityInfrastructure

- Flagship Projects

Activity,        Adventure       and Sports Tourism

Greenway        expansion       and improvements

Wild Atlantic Way –

Discovery Points

Spiritual        and                       Pilgrimage Tourism

Facilities - camping and camper vans sites.

Walking

Cultural and Amenity Tourism

Access to tourist sites for all

Greenways

Food and Culinary Tourism

Visitor centres

Marine

Festivals and Events

Accommodation      –                      glamping, pods,                      hotels,                                B&B’s, guesthouses, hostels.

Lakes of Mayo

Wild Atlantic Way and Wild Mayo

Services – toilets, showers etc

Adventure

Activity, Adventure and Sports Tourism Policies

TRP 9

To support the implementation of the opportunities and actions identified in the Mayo Tourism Strategy and Action Plan – Destination Mayo 2015-2021, regarding the development of activity, adventure and sports tourism at strategic locations throughout the County in conjunction with the Tourism section of Mayo County Council and other relevant stakeholders.

TRP 10

To support the implementation of the strategy for Greenway development in Ireland - “Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways” in relation to the development and extension of greenways throughout the county, in conjunction with the Tourism section of Mayo County Council and other relevant stakeholders.

TRP 11

To promote Mayo as a premier walking/cycling destination in the Country and support the further development of walking routes and trails within the county and the integration and linkage of these with other existing / proposed routes and trails both within and outside of County Mayo, in accordance with national walking strategy guidance and in conjunction with the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland and other relevant stakeholders. Opportunities to enhance ecological connectivity should be integrated as part of any linking of routes to strengthen and support green infrastructure.

TRP 12

To support the development of a regional water-based leisure sector in a sustainable manner, making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and resources, in a manner that is sensitive to the natural and cultural heritage resources, in conjunction with relevant regional partners.

TRP 13

To support local, national and international tourism agencies and bodies in their work to promote Mayo as a unique tourism destination and build on the ‘Wild Mayo’ adventure brand and to continue to position itself as ‘The Heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way’ through an interagency approach, utilising available funding streams to implement the tourism objectives of this plan.

TRP 14

To work with the National Transport Authority, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and all stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to the selection, delivery and servicing of future greenways, blueways, trails and routes throughout the county.

Activity, Adventure and Sports Tourism Objectives

TRO 3

To explore a feasibility study, including the development of route options, for the creation of a coastal walking/cycling route along the western seaboard, in collaboration and partnership with the NWRA, other relevant local authorities and stakeholders, including the public, to enhance access to our tourist assets along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way.

TRO 4

To investigate the development of bike trails and sites at Keenagh/ Ballycastle/Bunnyconnelan Bike Trail and the Mountain Bike Centre at the Wild Nephin site, in conjunction with the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council.

Spiritual and Pilgrimage Tourism Objective

TR0 5

1. To explore the development of a long-distance Spiritual Trail linking Croagh Patrick, Ballintubber Abbey and Knock Shrine. Investigate the potential of linking this trail to Burriscarra, Cong, Turlough and the Monasteries of the Moy through the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council and other relevant stakeholders.
2. To explore a range of spiritual walking and pilgrimage events to showcase Mayo as a spiritual tourism destination, with particular emphasis on generating overnight stays for visitors to Knock Shrine.
3. To support and facilitate the development of Knock as a world-renowned religious tourist destination.
4. To investigate the delivery of pilgrim trail improvements and upgrades on the Croagh Patrick trail and Tochar Padraig trail.

Opportunities to enhance ecological connectivity should be integrated as part of any linking of routes to strengthen and support green infrastructure. SEA and AA measures relating to the above were identified in the Destination Mayo Plan and should be adhered to and integrated to any project level assessments.

Cultural and Amenity Tourism Policies

TRP 15

To support the implementation of the opportunities and actions identified in the Mayo Tourism Strategy and Action Plan – Destination Mayo 2015-2021, SEA and AA, regarding the development of cultural and amenity tourism and the Wild Atlantic Way in Mayo, in conjunction with the Tourism section of Mayo County Council and other relevant stakeholders.

TRP 16

To support the protection and enhancement of Mayo’s historic buildings, gardens and museums as cultural tourist attractions.

TRP 17

To support developments which will enable and encourage countryside recreation in appropriate locations to foster an increased appreciation of, and access to, the natural environment.

TRP 18

To work in partnership with Coillte to identify opportunities for tourism and recreation facility development within commercially managed forests, where appropriate, and to promote and continue to be involved in the NeighbourWood Scheme (2017).

Cultural and Amenity Tourism Objectives

TRO 6

To encourage access to forestry and woodlands, including private forestry, in cooperation with key stakeholders for walking routes, bridle paths, mountain biking, nature walks, orienteering, hiking, recreational areas and other similar facilities and to retain existing public rights of ways through forest lands.

TRO 7

To investigate the development of Moore Hall Estate and walled garden in conjunction with the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council and relevant working groups.

TRO 8

To investigate the further potential of the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park and Dark Sky initiative in a sustainable manner. This approach should demonstrate good practice in terms of eco-tourism and wilderness and seek to gain recognised accreditation on same.

TRO 9

To explore the development of community walks, off road trails/rural trail developments, parks, other outdoor amenities and recreational infrastructure, and work with relevant landholders and recreational/tourism agencies to increase access to the countryside and our coastal areas, subject to proper planning and sustainable development principles.

TRO 10

Encourage sensitively designed and located development which provides for the appreciation, interpretation, upgrade and provision of access to natural habitats, scenic vistas and heritage and geoheritage features for the benefit of rural tourism, subject to normal planning and nature conservation consideration.

TRO 11

To utilise Mayo’s natural and heritage resources to foster the development of tourism as a viable sustainable sector of the economy, in a sustainable manner, which complements the scale, quality and unique features of the county.

Food and Culinary Tourism Policy

TRP 19

To support the development of Mayo as a ‘Foodie Destination’ through the implementation of the Fáilte Ireland ‘Food Tourism Development Strategy 2018-2023’ and the Mayo County Council Food and Drink Strategy 2020-2025 and the opportunities and actions identified in the Mayo Tourism Strategy and Action Plan – Destination Mayo 2015-2021 regarding the development of food tourism in Mayo, in conjunction with the Tourism section of Mayo County Council and other relevant stakeholders.

Food and Culinary Tourism Objectives

TRO 12

To explore the development of a Mayo food network and market signature food experiences around the county, including artisan food trails such as the Gourmet Greenway and Edible Greenway and other food trails, at appropriate locations throughout the county.

TRO 13

To facilitate Féile na Tuaithe and the Westport and Ballina food festivals and other food and drinks tourism events at appropriate locations throughout the county.

Festivals and Events Policies

TRP 20

To support the implementation of the opportunities and actions identified in the Mayo Tourism Strategy and Action Plan – Destination Mayo 2015-2021 regarding the development festivals and events in Mayo, in conjunction with the Tourism section of Mayo County Council and other relevant stakeholders by:

1. supporting community groups and festival committees to identify and access new sources of funding for festivals and events in the county.
2. promoting the development of a variety of new festivals, including Mayo Dark Skies International and sporting events, to appeal to a wide range of visitors and to increase the profile of the county as a key tourism destination.

TRP 21

To support and promote existing festivals and sporting events, in conjunction with the relevant tourism and sporting agencies to increase the cultural, heritage and lifestyle profile of the county, and to facilitate the establishment of new events where viable, subject to the satisfactory location, access, parking provision and protection of the surrounding environment.

Infrastructure and Visitor Services Policies

TRP 22

To support the implementation of priority infrastructural developments and tourism facilities identified by the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council, including the development of new tourist facilities or upgrading/extension of existing tourist facilities at tourist sites within the county, within proper planning and sustainable development principles.

TRP 23

To support and promote sustainable tourism, accessible to all throughout County Mayo, and to work in partnership with tourism organisations and adjoining local authorities, where necessary, in securing the development of tourism enterprises and infrastructure, subject to suitable locations, where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 200 network, residential amenity or visual amenity.

TRP 24

To encourage the clustering of tourism products and services within identified hubs, to facilitate the sharing of infrastructure and services where possible, to increase linkages within and reduce leakage from the local economy.

Infrastructure and Visitor Services Objective

TRO 14

To identify opportunities for funding for infrastructural projects and facilities, including LEADER, national and European funding schemes and seek to maximise the benefit of such funding opportunities for County Mayo.

TRO 15

To work with key stakeholders, including transport providers, to promote, support and facilitate the provision of sustainable rural transport modes to key tourist locations within the county.

Tourism Accommodation Policies

TRP 25

To promote the sustainable development of the tourism sector in appropriate locations throughout the county.

TRP 26

To encourage proposals to reinstate, conserve and/or replace existing ruinous or disused dwellings for holiday home purposes, subject to normal planning considerations including design, safe access and provision of any necessary wastewater disposal facilities.

Tourism Accommodation Objectives

TRO 16

To ensure that tourism related accommodation such as holiday homes, hotels, caravan/camping parks, glamping etc. are primarily located within existing settlements where there is existing infrastructure provision to service the development and where they can contribute to maintenance of essential rural services.

Certain forms of low-impact tourist accommodation such as Camping and Glamping/Pod sites may also be considered outside of existing settlements where it is:

• Proposed to incorporate the reuse an existing structure as an integral part of the development.
• Adjacent to, and capable of availing of, an existing appropriate commercial enterprise or community facility or located on an existing farm

In all cases the facility shall be of an appropriate scale for the location and shall have a high standard of design, layout, landscape, including Sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the Development Management Standards (Volume 2), and environmental protection so as not to impact negatively on the visual and residential amenity of the area or have significant adverse effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network.

TRO 17

To facilitate, where appropriate, the conversion of former demesnes or estate dwellings and their outbuildings into tourism facilities, subject to good planning principles and architectural practice.

TRO 18

To facilitate the sustainable development of a variety of quality tourist accommodation types, at suitable locations, throughout the county.

TRO 19

To positively consider the development of new hotels in existing settlements, with particular preference for locations in larger settlements. In rural locations (i.e village/ rural nodes), it must be demonstrated that: (i) the area proposed to be served by the new development has high visitor numbers associated with an existing attraction / facility; (ii) a need for new / additional hotel type accommodation for these visitors has been identified having regard to the profile of the visitor and the availability and proximity of existing hotels in the area; and (iii) the distance of the location from a significant settlement is such that visitors to the area/attraction are unlikely to avail of existing hotel facilities.

TRO 20

To positively consider the (part) conversion of existing dwellings to Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) and Guesthouses, to be operated by the owner-occupier of the dwelling. Applications for new build B&Bs /guesthouses will in the first instance be evaluated as private dwellings and the objectives and standards applicable in that area type (e.g. large town, rural town, rural area, etc) will be applied.

TRO 21

To ensure that holiday home / self-catering developments on a farm holding shall be provided by farmhouse extension or by the utilisation of other existing dwellings / structures on the property. Only where it has been demonstrated that these are not viable options, will permission be considered for new build development. Any new build development shall be in close proximity to the existing farmhouse.

TRO 22

To facilitate the development of hostels along established walking / hiking routes and adjacent to existing tourism / recreation facilities, subject to normal planning criteria.

Flagship Infrastructure Projects Policies

TRP 27

To support the promotion of the Wild Atlantic Way in its role to grow the economic contribution of tourism along its route, through the upgrade and improvement of the touring network, facilities and visitor attractions through:

1. Exploration of the development of signature discovery points to assist and secure

Mayo’s position as ‘The Heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way’.

2. Working with all relevant stakeholders and Fáilte Ireland to facilitate the erection of standardised signage for tourism facilities and tourist attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way.
3. Working with relevant landholders and recreational/tourism agencies to increase access to the countryside and our coastal areas, and to ensure maintenance and access to the existing network of trails, paths, and tourist sites along the Wild Atlantic Way.
4. Supporting the exploration of the development of new tourist services, parking and facilities or upgrading/extension of existing tourist services, parking and facilities at tourist sites along the Wild Atlantic Way.
5. Build the concept of sustainability firmly into ongoing planning processes for tourism and outdoor recreation. In conducting tourism and recreation planning processes during the lifetime of the Mayo CDP, work towards adopting an ecosystem-based approach that assesses capacity of landscapes, communities, and natural resources to provide a basis for decision making that is firmly based on the principles of sustainability.
6. Apply environmental measures as presented in the Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme, the SEA and NIR of the Destination Mayo Strategy and support monitoring of environmental effects associated with tourism growth to ensure cumulative and in combination effects are avoided.
7. To support the preparation of a masterplan and/or visitor traffic management plan at Downpatrick Head-Discovery Point.

TRO 23

To strategically facilitate the development of infrastructural flagship projects through the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy ‘People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025’ Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Mayo County Council Tourism Strategy ‘Destination Mayo’.

TRO 24

Walking and Greenway Policies

TRP 28

To support the implementation of the NWRA Regional Outdoor Recreation Strategy, through the extension of greenways, walking routes, tracks and trails within the county and the integration and linkage of them with other existing / proposed greenways, walking routes, tracks and trails, both within and outside County Mayo.

TRP 29

To support the progression of long-distance linear greenways and greenway town networks, and the further development and improvements of the following walking trails and coastal paths in County Mayo - Westport/Cong Walking trail; Croagh Patrick trail upgrade; Tourmakeady Trail; Bangor trail; Céide /Downpatrick Coastal Path; and Slievemore Trail, in conjunction with the Tourism Section and other relevant stakeholders.

Marine Facilities Policy

TRP 30

To support the protection and enhancement of our islands, coastline and waterways as tourism products and attractions, subject to community and environmental carrying capacity.

Marine Facilities Objectives

TRO 25

To identify strategic marine locations, in line with the Mayo Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, for the development of pontoon and mooring facilities.

TRO 26

To explore the development of activity service centres in accordance with the Mayo Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

TRO 27

To investigate facility upgrades at Roonagh Pier.

Adventure Policy

TRP 31

To support the development of an activity centre at Keel and activity hub at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar.

Lakes Objective

TRO 28

To support the protection and enhancement of our counties lakes as visitor attractions, through the identification of infrastructure requirements and development of masterplans including:

1. the exploration of the development of the Pontoon Lakes masterplan and construction of a boardwalk in conjunction with the Tourism Section of Mayo County Council.
2. working with relevant landholders and recreational/tourism agencies to increase access to Mayo’s lakes.

Public Rights of Way Policy

TRP 32

To preserve and protect verified public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility.

Public Rights of Way Objectives

TRO 29

The Council, within the lifetime of this plan, aims to:

1. Identify, preserve and enhance existing accesses and public rights of way to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas, lakeshores, river-bank areas and heritage sites.
2. Where necessary, establish new accesses and public rights of way to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas, lakeshores, river-bank areas, and heritage sites in co-operation with landowners and the local community. When public rights of way are identified, the owners of the public rights of way shall be notified in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
3. Map public rights of way in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

1. and (b) shall be carried out in accordance with best sustainable management practices, any guidance from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network.

TRO 30

To seek to identify and protect over the lifetime of the Plan further existing verified rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, as they become available to the Planning Authority over the lifetime of the plan. (Accompanied by mapping showing public rights of way).