Moorings for yacht tourists
“THE sea belongs to everyone,” say a group of sailors hoping to attract high- spending yachts into Sligo.
‘ Metal Mariners’ told Sligo County Council that Sligo is the only county without moorings to anchor boats on the Wild Altantic Way.
The life- long sailors and boaters have started the Sligo County Moorings Project to install 20 moorings along our coast.
In a presentation to the Council, they said the moorings would attract Sea- to- Land tourists, increase pontoon revenues, increase demand for fuel, services, yacht equipment, water and food, raise Sligo’s profile in Europe and engage the local community in sailing.
“Sligo Port’s commercial renewal would have huge benefit for Sligo’s economy,” said Brian Armstrong.
They estimate it would cost almost ¤ 60,000 to set up the moorings and over ¤ 8,600 a year to run.
They’re anticipating the moorings would generate at least ¤ 30,000 a year in Sligo as a result.
The Irish Marine Federation values the Irish Marine Leisure Market at ¤ 800million a year.
Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady said the time was never more opportune to apply to the Department of the Marine for funding with Minister Simon Coveney himself a life- long sailor.
“For tourism it’s hugely important because of the high- spend clients you have coming in. You’re pushing an open door,” she said.
Cllr Sinead Maguire said she had sailed long- distance and competitively and sailing was one of the things that convinced her to move to Sligo. “In the long term it’s a hugely vital piece of marine infrastructure,” she said.
Cllr Marie Casserly said it was “amazing” that Sligo was the only county on the Wild Altantic Way without moorings. “The whole region would benefit. It ties in nicely with the Armada and visitors. It would add to the tourism product we have,” she said.
The Metal Mariners plan to install moorings at Pollaheeny and Aughris in West Sligo. Moorings planned for Sligo include Cullenamore/ Portavaud and Coney Island.
In North Sligo the moorings are planned for Browns Bay ( Raghly) and Milk Harbour ( Dernish Island) Inishmurray and Mullaghmore. Sailors will be able to book and pay online. The Council must next apply for funding for the project to Fáilte Ireland and the Department of the Marine.