Emracing camper van tourists on regulated sites on west Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way can help bring millions of extra euro into the area, Fine Gael council election candidate Evelyn Sweeney has said.
The spin-off to shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants is now recognised as a key economic driver for the tourist industry, said Sweeney.
“The phenomenal success of the Wild Atlantic Way, introduced by Fine Gael, continues apace but I believe we need to keep building on it,” said Sweeney, a candidate in the Glenties Electoral Area.
“The Wild Atlantic Camp in Creeslough has been fantastic for the area with the addition of pod-style accommodation adding to the attractions there already.
“The number of bed nights has been, until now at least, one measure of tourism success. But providing more serviced sites for the 20,000 camper van owners in Ireland and the many more from Britain and Europe must be a priority going forward.
Evelyn Sweeney
“Camper van owners tend to spend much more in shops, restaurants and pubs during their trips here and a couple more serviced camper van sites are badly needed in west Donegal to help attract more people to the area.”
Sweeney believes Donegal County Council needs to play a role tapping in to this hugely beneficial part of the tourism market.
“A Donegal Wild Atlantic Way campervan park should be marketed to both staycation Irish holiday-makers and to visitors from overseas, but we also need to add to our offering, particularly in the west of the county,” said Sweeney.
“I want to commend Lorcan Roarty and his team who’ve helped to make their Creeslough site a ‘must-see’ attraction for visitors to Donegal.”
