This article is from page 10 of the 2006-05-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
CLARE County Council has confirmed it will be introducing new parking charges at the Cliffs of Moher once new visitor facilities have been developed at the site.
The new vehicle parking charges will apply to cover parking and access to all of the public facilities, including the cliff edge.
The cost per family car will double in price, rising to €8, with a €60 charge applying to coaches. Pedestrians and cyclists will not be charged.
Admission to the Interpretation Experience will be based on a separate, per person, charge at a rate of €4 per adult.
Concession rates for groups, families, children, and others will also apply.
Fianna Fáil senator, Brendan Daly, said yesterday that the new charges were “excessive”.
“There is a danger that the new charges will discourage people from visiting the Cliffs of Moher and it would be counter-productive for the north Clare area and the region if people decided to move on”, said Councillor Daly.
“The council will justify the charges through the investment they are making in the scheme.
“But if you price yourself too high, you will price yourself out of the market. The council’s aim must be to keep prices to a minimum.”
Project Leader for the scheme, Ger Dollard said that the proposed pricing structure was “very much in line if not below charges generally for visitor attractions.
“The current assessment regarding charges is being made in the absence of seeing what the completed project will offer,” he said.
“I have no doubt that visitors will be more than impressed with the completed product and see what’s on offer as representing value for money.
“The reality is that the 30 minute stop off will become at least a two hour visit, with much to engage visitors during their stay.
“A proposed charge of €8 per vehicle which could cover up to four people is not substantial.
“Equally a charge of €60 for a coach of 50 plus visitors is not excessive.
“The new experience will also provide rangers and guides to impart information to visitors and to improve visitor management at the cliff edge,” he said.
The new Visitor Centre – opening in early 2007 – will include a major interpretative area containing exhibits and display on a range of aspects of the Cliffs of Moher.
The facilities within the building will be subsumed into the contours of the hillside to minimise any visual impact.
Plans are being made to accommodate close to one million visitors each year once the new facilities are in place.