Local elections 2024: Enhancing tourism is key local election issue in Bandon-Kinsale MD

KINSALE is a town where tourism plays a key role in the local economy and is set to be an issue on the doors ahead of the local elections.

On the ground, there have been calls for increased tourism marketing in Kinsale, with claims there is “no clear indication” that the town marks the beginning of the prestigious Wild Atlantic Way.

Launched by Fáilte Ireland in 2014, the initiative was designed to drive domestic and international tourism to the west of Ireland, with a signposted route along the Atlantic coast from Kinsale to Malin Head in County Donegal.

Part of this initiative included the erection of corten steel ‘discovery signs’, which proudly stand between 3.5m and 5m tall, at all 188 of the Wild Atlantic Way visiting points.

Currently there are no marked visiting points at the start of the route in Kinsale town, with the closest discovery sign located 11km outside of Kinsale at the Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower.

Kinsale local and owner of the Blue Haven Group, Ciarán Fitzgerald told The Echo that “the dream” would be to capitalise further on the initiative to increase tourism offerings in the area.

“We are sitting on some of the most interesting and important historical assets in Ireland, if not Europe, and I would love to see them evolve and their story told in a more interactive way,” he said.

“Kinsale is the start of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way so, in time, the dream is to create an iconic start point somewhere in the town that would mark this.”

The famous discovery signs, used to create a cohesive focal point for the initiative at lay-bys and viewing points, mark the significance of an area to the coastal route, and the inclusion of one in Kinsale town would continue to drive tourism toward important cultural landmarks.

Echoing calls for a distinct marked starting point, chairman of the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and owner of Jim Edwards Bar & Restaurant, Liam Edwards said: “If you’re to drive into Kinsale there’s nothing to commemorate the Wild Atlantic Way, there’s no clear indication we are at the start of it. We’d love to see some sort of plaque to say you’re on it,” he added.

“It’s probably been the best thing marketing-wise that’s happened to this region in the last ten years, but there’s nothing really telling you that you’re at the start of it. It’s a pity, because there’s a perfect opportunity there to build around it,” he said.

Sitting Fine Gael councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale municipal district and local Kinsale business owner, Marie O’Sullivan said there are huge assets in the town, such as Charles Fort, which she suggested would be a”great spot” to have some kind of initial marking point.

“I know that our Chamber of Tourism has been very much involved in looking towards doing something, and would be tying in with Fáilte Ireland as well,” she added.

A spokesperson for Fáilte Ireland said that the organisation is working closely with council members and locals in the area to devise an approach that best suits their needs.

“There is currently no discovery point in Kinsale town, however, Fáilte Ireland has recently launched a new West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development plan, where one of the key actions of this plan will be to mark Kinsale as the start point of the Wild Atlantic Way,” said the spokesperson.

“Appropriate signage, orientation and improvements to the public realm and infrastructure will be delivered by working closely together with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, as well as the businesses and community in the area,” the spokesperson said.

Fianna Fáil local election candidate for the Kinsale-Bandon area and former TD, Margaret Murphy O’Mahony said that the erection of a corten steel sign at Charles Fort would be “a great start” to promote the initiative in Kinsale.

“We are very lucky that the Wild Atlantic Way starts in our local electoral area, but we seem to be the bridesmaid of the entire operation. There’s an awful lot of work that needs to be done to promote it,” she said.

“It needs more than just a sign, but it would be a great start. It needs to be marketed more because if it’s not highlighted enough, people will go on to the next step.

“I would be hoping we could get a deal on the cost of the sign. It seems a lot of money for a one-off payment but, in the same sense, without it, nothing else would replace the importance of one.”

The initial cost per discovery sign was set at €15,000 each, with €9,000 required for installation of the site marker and interpretation panel, associated groundworks, and paving.

The remaining €6,000 was intended for maintenance and repair works as needed, with costs covered by funding from the Government allocated for the Wild Atlantic Way initiative.

Detailing further issues with missed marketing opportunities, locals and business owners shared a consensus that the multi-level town square, located at the heart of Kinsale town, lacks vibrancy and has become a point of contention for those on its doorstep.

Mr Edwards, whose business overlooks the town square, shared his frustrations about its lack of usage.

“This has been going on for about 10 to 15 years and there has been plans submitted to the Cork County Council years ago to have the raised platform levelled off,” he said.

“It would create a lovely focal point to enhance the centre of town, like you’d see in any town abroad, it’s what Kinsale lacks.

“There’s massive potential there and I think it would be brilliant if something could be done, but every year we’re told something might happen, and nothing’s been done about it, so it’s very frustrating,” he said.

Local election candidate for the Kinsale-Bandon LEA and Social Democrats representative, Ann Bambury said that the town square should be a space that enhances the social life of the community.

“One of my priorities if elected would be reimagining Kinsale town square, by engaging with the local community.

“One of the best things about a town square is its role as a social venue. Kinsale Town Square could be transformed into a more engaging space. The space should be multi-use, and perhaps outdoor performances could be embraced if the space was reimagined,” she added.

Also in agreement, Fine Gael councillor Marie O’Sullivan said: “There is no plan for the town square at the moment. In an ideal world the square would be levelled off. It would be fabulous to have it as an events space, where you could hold outdoor concerts, with some type of roofing, maybe plastic awnings in the shape of sails, tying it in with the Wild Atlantic Way theme. It’s definitely something I’ll be looking in to.”

Commenting on future plans for an upgrade to the town square, a spokesperson for Cork County Council said: “Cork County Council are reviewing the town square and its current and potential future use. Any future plans will be made after careful consultation with the elected members, and should a decision be made to develop this area, we will consult with the local community in advance.”

Negotiating traffic in Kinsale is like playing chicken, says councillor

A MAJOR overhaul of Kinsale infrastructure is critically needed as navigating roads can be like playing chicken, said Fine Gael councillor Marie O’Sullivan.

She described the influx of traffic in Kinsale as crazy and said that a relief road is needed for the town.

Ms O’Sullivan, who is also a business owner in the town, will be contesting this year’s local elections for a repeat seat on Cork County Council, for the Bandon-Kinsale area.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms O’Sullivan said that traffic congestion in the town has become a serious issue and that increased delays have posed threats to emergency services trying to access people in need in the area.

“It can mean a life-or-death situation, and when lives come into play you have to mitigate against it,” she said.

“I brought a motion to our western division on this last year, as our existing traffic management plan was published in 2009.”

If re-elected, Ms O’Sullivan said she plans to push for a relief road for the area.

“It’s something we have pencilled in to the county development plan, there’s nothing written in stone, but it is contemplated. My campaign will focus on a big investment into the public realm.

“Kinsale has become the poor relation municipal district regarding investment.

“I think it’s time to implement a one-way system in Kinsale,” she said.

“We’re going to have to look at it because there are lots of areas in the town that aren’t suitable for cars to pass each other, the streets are too narrow.”

Also speaking on the impact that increased traffic congestion has on businesses, the owner of Jim Edwards Bar & Restaurant, Liam Edwards, said: “I think everybody in business here is singing from the same hymn sheet. It’s only getting worse, there’s a lot of frustration among locals. The infrastructure is a major issue that the council needs to look at. We have seen a huge population growth and the roads that lead into Kinsale are shabby and not fit for purpose. It takes the beauty away from Kinsale.”

“All of a sudden you’re hit with a backlog of traffic or you’re spending time circling the town looking for parking. That’s the major issue. A bypass would be a major investment, and probably won’t happen for the next five to 10 years, but we’d love to see it happen,” he added.

Ms O’Sullivan said that the issue is compounded during the busy tourism season.

“In the past number of years, we’ve seen a lot of development here with more than 500- plus new houses being built, and in order to be able to furnish a mortgage, a couple both have to be working, which means two cars in each house, and more cars in the urban area.

“In the summer there’s an increase again. The town becomes choked with traffic. So instead of people having a good experience, they’re caught in gridlock, which is no good for small businesses who depend on passing traffic and footfall.

“It’s a serious issue because if you don’t have a good experience somewhere, you’re not likely to go back,” she said. “It puts people off.”

First-time candidate committed to improving connectivity for his area

IMPROVING connectivity in the areas of Timoleague, Barryroe and Kilbrittain is an issue which is key to first-time candidate John Michael Foley who is contesting the upcoming local elections for Fine Gael in the Bandon-Kinsale district.

The issue is one which is impacting businesses in the local area, with Kevin Collins, owner of Molaga Honey in Timoleague, saying that “unpredictable” broadband is negatively impacting day-to-day business operations.

“Urban areas are the ones that always get served, it’s the rural areas that don’t get served. We get left behind, and it’s very frustrating,” said Mr Collins.

“Unless we shout and scream, we don’t get what we’re looking for and unfortunately we do have to shout louder. We have a girl who comes in three days a week for administration purposes,” he added.“Sometimes it takes her an extra half day to get something done because it’s so slow.

“First and foremost, it’s an extra cost, there are days we can’t download our remittances, so my biggest issue is it’s just hard to get work done and it’s very frustrating if you’re the person doing it.

“We’re being told that national broadband is being rolled out, and I’ve seen them in the area, but it could be another 12 months before we see anything, it just makes life difficult, “ Mr Collins said.

John Michael Foley said that if elected to Cork County Council at this year’s local elections, it is an issue he wants to address.

“The enhancement of community facilities across the entire area is very important to me. My main canvas would be out here in the rural area, which would focus on improving broadband and mobile phone coverage, which is very poor in certain places. Connectivity is critical to all areas. Everyone working in the communities in Timoleague, Barryroe and Kilbrittain are affected,” he said.

Mr Foley, a local funeral director, monument mason and business owner in Timoleague, said that a lack of efficient broadband is also an issue which impacts him directly.

“I know it myself in my own business, you go to do a simple function like paying the wages, and it takes a lot longer than it should, because the internet goes in the middle of it. We have connection but it is weak,” Mr Foley added.

“I have made submissions to National Broadband Ireland to address the problem and have commenced work in the area, but a completion date is yet to come. It’s on the cards that it should be completed this year, so we’re keeping the pressure on and keeping an eye out for any progress,” Mr Foley said.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) was contacted for a comment on the matter.