Beara-Breifne Way closure
Deputy Kenny said the closure of the Melick Weir footbridge threatened tourism and left walkers, including visitors from New Zealand, unable to continue. The Minister said she understood the walkway was open and would refer the specific issue to the relevant Minister and local authority.
As the House is aware, the programme for Government contains a specific recommendation on supporting tourism and walking tourism in particular. Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is the newest development in this regard. One of the main tourism attractions is the Beara-Breifne Way. Many tourists use this walkway but for the past couple of weeks the Melick Weir footbridge has been closed by the OPW.
Comment on this
Last weekend, 12 tourists from New Zealand got as far as the weir but could not cross it. They were extremely disappointed. People in the tourism trade in the region are very annoyed that this is the case.
We understand it will remain closed for a year, with no alternative put in place to keep the walkway open. If we are genuine about having a proper tourism resource in the regions, will the Minister ensure the OPW puts in place an alternative to keep the Beara-Breifne Way open?
Comment on this
I understand that the walkway is open. On the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I will refer it to the relevant Minister to be taken up with the local authority.