Summary
of Feasibility Study prepared by Moy Valley Resources, Ballina,
Co. Mayo
Introduction
Ballycastle/Belderrig
Development Company are proposing to develop the “Shambles”
site in Ballycastle into a modern Visitors Centre, aiming
to provide for the needs of tourists, climbers, archaeologists
and nature lovers who visit this beautiful part of Mayo.
Ballycastle
is an area of the North coast of Mayo with a richness that
is unique only to the study area. These riches include
its quality landscape, mountains, marshes, sandhills, cliffs
and ancient historical sites. It's attraction lies
in the beauty of the unspoilt scenery and the environmental
contrast and hospitality which it offers to visitors.
The overall area is extremely rich in items of interest to
biologists, archaeologists and students of history, also megalithic
tombs (Céide Fields), early Christian and mediaeval
ruins.
Aims
and Objectives
The
overall aim of the group is to provide a modern, comfortable
and up-to-date information centre for tourists to the region.
The
Centre will be managed by a voluntary committee from the Development
Company, assisted by participants from the Rural Social Scheme.
The availability of such a facility will improve the
socio-economic welfare of the community.
The
Project
The
management committee has devised plans to construct a modern
up-to-date multifunctional centre on the “Shambles” site on
Main Street, Ballycastle. The site measures 43,000sq
feet, with an entrance from the Main Road, and is owned by
the Company.
The
building will be designed in a “Shell” shape configuration
which will maximise the potential use of the site.
The complex will include a tourist information centre, showers,
drying room for walkers and cyclists, restaurant and meeting
area.
The
design will allow for a panoramic view of the bay area from
the rear view of the building.
It
is envisaged the Centre will provide services and facilities
such as
Hot food, hot showers, secure lockers, drying room for clothes
Internet access, Fax and Photocopying services
It is also envisaged that the Centre will accommodate a
dedicated “Fáilte Ireland Tourist Office” and also
facilitate booking of accommodation and general tourist
information/activities in the area.
It
has been proposed to name the Centre “Tom Langan Centre” after
the great Gaelic footballer of the fifties.
The
success of this plan depends on the commitment and vision
of the local community to implement it and also from state
and local agencies to recognise and assist with the development
of this unique area.
Additional
amenities for consideration
Ballycastle
would benefit from a Children's Playground Area. This
facility would be required to constructed to the highest standard
and with all safety aspects and would cater for tourist and
local children.
Additional
opportunities for the area
Diving
: With 5 spectacular dive sites within
easy reach of Ballycastle Harbour, the potential for a Dive
Centre is enormous. This Centre would cater for the
needs of visiting dive clubs and tourists. Currently
a number of dive clubs visit the area because of the excellent
diving conditions, but due to lack of accommodation and facilities
(compressor etc) the numbers are static.
With
over 70 diving clubs in the country, the potential development
is excellent for the area.
Cycling:
Currently there are organised cycle tours
of the wide open plains of West Mayo available. A more
detailed itinerary is available on booking through myguideireland.ie.
Walks
: Ballycastle is an ideal location for walking enthusiasts.
There is a huge variety of landscapes to explore. Some
walks are mapped out and direction signposts are placed along
the route.
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