We need ‘selfie seats’ for safe tourist snaps, says minister

A MINISTER has suggested installing ‘phone seats’ around the coast so tourists can take stable selfies.

Jim Daly’s proposal comes weeks after an Indian man lost his life taking a selfie at the Cliffs of Moher.

According to the minister of state for mental health, the proposal would solve the problem of tourists seeking the perfect selfie while it would be an ‘innovative marketing tool’ to showcase Ireland abroad.

The minister has proposed to Fáilte Ireland that ‘selfie stands’ be provided at all appropriate look-out points.

He told the Southern Star newspaper: ‘Families and individuals love taking photographs of themselves in areas of natural beauty.

‘But often it is almost impossible to find a steady location or to know where the best shot is,’ he added.

‘Tourists, being time sensitive, like to know where to go and what to do. They also like clear shots rather than grainy images on their social media and Instagram.’

He said the ‘phone seats’ could be incorporated into already existing Wild Atlantic Way markers.

It is believed that similar stands are already a big hit in Asia in tourist locations, the Southern Star said.

On January 4, Indian student Anand Goel fell to his death while taking a selfie at the Cliffs of Moher.