Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

Sustaining Success' conference in Croke Park on Monday, 12th November last.

 
 
 
 
 
 
sprinter
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Co Wicklow
Age: 93
Posts: 7717
Registered: 01 / 2015
My Motorhome: Matilda 2 Pilote 703FP Explorateur
Base Vehicle: 3ltr 318 Sprinter Automatic
Subject:

Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 20.11.2018  ·  #1
I received a new letter from Fáilte Ireland following the Croke Park launch of their 2019 plan.I picked out a few of the areas and asked a question. the items in brackets were emphasized in dark print.

Mr. Paul Kelly.
CEO,
Fáilte Ireland

A very simple question, where does Motorhome tourism fit into all of this below or is this sector forgotten about?


Development of more ( Visitor Experience Development Plans ) intended to drive visitor numbers to the regions and lesser visited areas and to bring to life new visitor experiences, themes and stories. The VEDPs are intended to increase dwell time and revenue while complementing the environment and culture of the region.
With ( Festivals and Events ) attracting over 200,000 overseas visitors to our shores with a spend of €108 million, our intention is to grow this even more especially during the off-peak season. We're looking at developing a major festival of ( Halloween,) the Celtic festival of Samhain with activities planned for throughout Ireland's Ancient East region.

To celebrate our culinary ability and tradition a new (‘Month of Food’ ) programme is also to be developed, which will offer immersive food tourism experiences, showcasing the quality of Irish produce and driving increased visitor numbers and revenue through the offseason

This was the reply today.

John Browne (SP) <John.BrowneSP@failteireland.ie>

16:35 (2 hours ago)

Dear Martin,

Thank you for your enquiry in relation to Motorhome tourism.

As you may know, there are currently 88 approved caravan and camping sites throughout the country that cater for visitors both in camper vans and touring caravans. Fáilte Ireland is currently developing a set of guidelines for camper van sites which will be introduced to Local Authorities in early 2019. In addition, we liaise on a regular basis with representatives of the Caravan and Camping sector to discuss the continued development and promotion of the sector.
Kind regards,
John

And my subsequent question.
To John.
Could you inform me of which of the motorhome/campervan clubs your group has liaised with as it appears to us that you only contact representatives of Caravan and Camping that required a campsite with all the facilities? Whereas we do not have the same requirements. Motorhomes are self-sufficient and only require the facilities of an Aire such as Cobh every few days.
Regards
Martin.
If anyone wants to see the whole newsletter I will post it.
Shantrek
Craic'er
Avatar
Gender: n/a
Age: 75
Posts: 46
Registered: 08 / 2018
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 20.11.2018  ·  #2
Quote by sprinter

I received a new letter from Fáilte Ireland following the Croke Park launch of their 2019 plan.I picked out a few of the areas and asked a question. the items in brackets were emphasized in dark print.

Mr. Paul Kelly.
<snip>


Well said Martin.
We need to be proactive about getting the facilities we want.
More representation and discussions with County Council's with facilities like Lough Rynn, Cobh, Wexford and Portumna being used as the standard thats needed.
baguette
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Cork
Age: 73
Posts: 2939
Registered: 11 / 2011
My Motorhome: Rapido 963F
Base Vehicle: Ducato 2.8 JTD Power
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #3
Two things to remember when the 88 caravan and camping parks are mentioned

Quite a few are now residential mobile home parks and do not accept tourers
Most are only open for only four or five months (summer) each year.

As we all know there is no way there exists sufficient spaces for all those who tour in motorhomes, even if we were prepared to pay for facilities which we already have on board our motorhomes, which we're obviously not.
killiand
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender: n/a
Location: Meath
Age: 34
Posts: 870
Registered: 09 / 2015
My Motorhome: Knaus Traveller S520
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato (1993)
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #4
Can we be provided with a list of the 88? Factually debunking the number might go a long way to cutting through the BS!
GMAC
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Age: 67
Posts: 1293
Registered: 10 / 2012
My Motorhome:
Base Vehicle:
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #5
Quote by killiand

Can we be provided with a list of the 88? Factually debunking the number might go a long way to cutting through the BS!


That definitely would be worthwhile doing. As has been said some sites have ended touring pitches and some have stipulated that bookings can only be made for a week...no less. That doesn't suit motorhomers.
Eamonn
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Shankill, Dublin 18
Age: 65
Homepage: Webmail.ie
Posts: 513
Registered: 06 / 2016
My Motorhome: Autotrail Cheyenne
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #6
Quote by killiand

Can we be provided with a list of the 88? Factually debunking the number might go a long way to cutting through the BS!


Registration Number
Premises Name
Classification
Address 1
Address 2
County
Registered Owner
Total number Units
CCS00276
Lough Ramor Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Ryefield
Virginia
Co Cavan
Lough Ramor Caravan and Camping Park
20
CCS00285
Corofin Village Camping and Caravan
3 Star
Main Street
Corofin
Co Clare
Jude and Marie Neylon
20
CCS00234
Nagles Doolin Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Doolin
Co Clare
Mr Kenneth Nagle
99
CCS00336
Doolin Riverside Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Doolin
Doolin Village
Co Clare
Pat and Joan O'Connor
50
CCS00183
Green Acres Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Doonaha
Kilkee
Co Clare
Mr Tom McGrath
40
CCS00339
Purecamping
1 Star
Querrin
Kilkee
Co Clare
Trea & Kevin Heapes
30
CCS00265
Lakeside Holiday Park
3 Star
Mountshannon
Co Clare
Mr Joachim Bottcher
45
CCS00164
Eagle Point Camping
4 Star
Ballylickey
Bantry
Co Cork
Eagle Point Camping
125
CCS00266
Blarney Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Stoneview
Blarney
Co Cork
Blarney Caravan and Camping Park
40
CCS00252
Jasmine Villa
2 Star
Carrigtwohill
Co Cork
Jasmine Villas
17
CCS00286
Berehaven Camper and Amenity Park
2 Star
Filane
Castletownbere
Co Cork
Berehaven Camper and Amenity Park
22
CCS00180
Desert House Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Coast Road
Clonakilty
Co Cork
Mr and Mrs John Jennings
36
CCS00318
Blackwater Valley Caravan and Camping
3 Star
Castlehyde
Fermoy
Co Cork
Mr Patrick Ryan
30
CCS00236
Meadow Camping Park
3 Star
Glandore
Co Cork
Meadow Camping Park
19
CCS00123
Glengarriff Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Castletownbere Road
Glengarriff
Co Cork
Mrs Mary Dowling
90
CCS00170
O'Sheas Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Glengarriff
Co Cork
O'Shea's Caravan and Camping
25
CCS00246
Garrettstown House Holiday Park
4 Star
Kinsale
Co Cork
Mr Finbarr Mawe
200
CCS00308
Trabolgan Holiday Village
4 Star
Trabolgan
Midleton
Co Cork
Trabolgan Holiday Village
35
CCS00240
O'Riordans Caravan Park
1 Star
Owenahincha
Rosscarbery
Co Cork
Mr John O'Riordan
16
CCS00160
Barleycove Holiday Park
4 Star
Crookhaven
Skibbereen
Co Cork
Barleycove Holiday Park
140
CCS00300
Hideaway Camping and Caravan Park
4 Star
Skibbereen
Co Cork
Mr Stephen Keohane
60
CCS00245
Sextons Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Timoleague
Co Cork
Mr Con and Margaret Sexton
30
CCS00301
Clonvilla
2 Star
Clonpriest
Youghal
Co Cork
Ms Noreen Cashman
20
CCS00306
Lakeside Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Belleek Road
Ballyshannon
Co Donegal
Erne Enterprise Dev Co Ltd
80
CCS00114
Caseys Caravan Park
3 Star
Downings
Co Donegal
Caseys Caravan and Camping
78
CCS00334
Magherabeg Caravan Park
3 Star
Magherabeg Downings
Letterkenny
Co Donegal
Mr John Connor
20
CCS00281
Rosguill Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Melmore Road, Downings
Letterkenny
Co Donegal
Mr Denis Boyce
30
CCS34141
Knockalla Caravan & Camping Park
4 Star
Magherawarden
Portsaloon
Co Donegal
Colm Doherty
20
CCS00158
Tramore Beach Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Rosbegs
Co Donegal
Tramore Beach Caravan and Camping Park
20
CCS00338
Camac Valley Tourist Caravan & Camping Park
4 Star
Green Isle Link Road, Naas Road
Dublin 22
Co Dublin
Mr Brian Begley and Mark Keogh
113
CCS00247
North Beach Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
North Beach
Rush
Co Dublin
Mr Tony McNally
64
CCS00327
Clifden Campsite and Caravan Park
2 Star
Shanaheever, Westport Road
Clifden
Co Galway
Mr and Mrs Martin Nee
42
CCS00219
Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Tullybeg
Renvyle
Co Galway
Mrs Pauline Mortimer
36
CCS00333
Salthill Caravan Park
4 Star
Knocknacarna
Salthill
Co Galway
Mr John O'Malley
70
CCS00262
Pairc Saoire An Spideil
2 Star
Spiddal Caravan and Camping Park
Spiddal
Co Galway
Ms Brid Cooney
50
CCS00317
Sir Rogers Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Banna Mountain
Ardfert
Co Kerry
Mr Ben and Mrs Margaret Breen
56
CCS00190
Wave Crest Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Glenbeg
Caherdaniel
Co Kerry
Mr John O'Shea
120
CCS00224
Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park
3 Star
Cahirciveen
Co Kerry
Mr Mortimer Moriarty
42
CCS00156
Anchor Caravan Park
4 Star
Castlegregory
Co Kerry
Mr Chris Searle
30
CCS00249
Green Acres Caravan Park
3 Star
Aughacasla
Castlegregory
Co Kerry
Mr Thomas Keane
40
CCS00230
Campail Teach An Aragail
3 Star
Oratory House Camping, Gallarus
Dingle
Co Kerry
Teach An Aragial Campail
42
CCS00182
Beech Grove Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Fossa
Killarney
Co Kerry
Mr and Mrs Michael O'Connell
46
CCS00264
Donoghues White Villa Farm Caravan Park
3 Star
Lissivigeen, Cork Road N22
Killarney
Co Kerry
O'Donoghue Family
24
CCS00116
Flemings White Bridge Caravan and Camping
4 Star
White Bridge, Ballycasheen Road
Killarney
Co Kerry
John and Moira Fleming
92
CCS00120
Fossa Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Fossa
Killarney
Co Kerry
Fossa Caravan and Camping Park
120
CCS00310
Glenbeg Caravan Park
3 Star
Glenbeg, Caherdaniel
Killarney
Co Kerry
Mr Noel O'Shea
85
CCS00274
Killarney Flesk Caravan Park
4 Star
Muckross Road
Killarney
Co Kerry
Mr John Courtney
72
CCS00198
Creveen Lodge Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Healy Pass Road
Lauragh
Co Kerry
Mrs Mary Moriarty
20
CCS00255
Glen Ross Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Glenbeigh
Ring Of Kerry
Co Kerry
Mrs Joan Fleming
40
CCS00313
Woodlands Park
4 Star
Dan Spring Road
Tralee
Co Kerry
Mr Michael McDonnell
85
CCS00309
Forest Farm Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Forest Farm, Dublin Road (R418)
Athy
Co Kildare
Mr Michael Manus
64
CCS00250
Nore Valley Park
3 Star
Bennettsbridge
Co Kilkenny
Mrs Isobel Harper
56
CCS00293
Tree Grove Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Danville House
Kilkenny
Co Kilkenny
Tree Grove Caravan and Camping Park
30
Registration Number
Premises Name
Classification
Address 1
Address 2
County
Registered Owner
Total number Units
CCS00331
Beirnes Of Battlebridge
3 Star
Battlebridge Camping and Caravan Park
Leitrim Post Office
Co Leitrim
Mr Joe Beirnes
40
CCS00287
Lough Rynn Caravan and Camping Park
1 Star
Lough Rynn
Mohill
Co Leitrim
Lough Rynn Carvan and Camping Park
20
CCS00319
Adare Camping & Caravan Site
3 Star
Drehedtarsna
Adare
Co Limerick
Mr and Mrs Hugh and Marie Doherty
28
CCS00174
Gyles Quay Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Riverstown
Dundalk
Co Louth
Gyles Quay Caravan and Camping Park
10
CCS00148
Lavelles Golden Strand Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Dugort
Achill
Co Mayo
Ms Bridget Campbell
37
CCS00258
Keel Sandybanks Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Keel
Achill Island
Co Mayo
Keel Sandybanks Caravan and Camping Park
100
CCS00271
Belleek Park, Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Faranoo
Ballina
Co Mayo
Mr and Mrs Joe and Phil Lenahan
58
CCS00232
Carra Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Belcarra
Castlebar
Co Mayo
Carra Caravans Ltd
20
CCS00201
Carrowkeel Camping and Caravan Park
3 Star
Ballyvary
Castlebar
Co Mayo
Mr Alex Peters
58
CCS00314
Lough Lannagh Caravan Park
3 Star
Lough Lannagh Holiday Village, Old Westport Road
Castlebar
Co Mayo
Castlebar Urban District Council and Mayo County Council
24
CCS00263
Cong Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Lisloughrey, Quay Road
Cong
Co Mayo
Ms Margaret Collins
40
CCS00204
Knock Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Main Street
Knock
Co Mayo
Knock Caravan and Camping
39
CCS00200
Westport House Caravan & Camping Park
3 Star
Westport House Country Estate
Westport
Co Mayo
Mr Jeremy Altamont
95
CCS00138
Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park
2 Star
Boyle
Co Roscommon
Moylurg Rockingham Ltd
50
CCS00254
Galey Bay Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Knockcroghery
Roscommon
Co Roscommon
Mr Patrick Naughton
27
CCS00282
Atlantic Caravan Park
2 Star
Enniscrone
Co Sligo
Mr John Kelly
35
CCS00329
Lough Arrow Touring Caravan Park
4 Star
Ballynary
Riverstown
Co Sligo
Mr Terence and Mary Wilson
30
CCS00102
Greenlands Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Rosses Point
Co Sligo
The Sligo Tourist Development Association Ltd
100
CCS00103
Strandhill Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Strandhill
Co Sligo
The Sligo Tourist Development Association Ltd
100
CCS00205
Apple Camping and Caravan Park
3 Star
Moorstown
Cahir
Co Tipperary
Mr Cornelius Traas
32
CCS00326
O'Briens Cashel Lodge
2 Star
Rock House, St. Patricks Rock
Cashel
Co Tipperary
Mr and Mrs Tom and Brid O'Brien
20
CCS00275
Parsons Green
3 Star
Clogheen
Co Tipperary
Mr and Mrs PJ and K Noonan
40
CCS00195
Powers the Pot Caravan and Camping Park
1 Star
Harneys Cross, Mountain Road
Clonmel
Co Tipperary
Mr and Mrs Niall and Josephine Carroll
20
CCS00179
Ballinacourty House
4 Star
Glen Of Aherlow
Co Tipperary
Mr Chris Stanley
45
CCS00337
Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park
4 Star
Newtown
Glen of Aherlow
Co Tipperary
Mr George and Rosaline Drew
40
CCS00146
Streamstown Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Roscrea
Co Tipperary
Mr and Mrs Keith and Marina Stanley
30
CCS00305
Bayview Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Gold Coast Road
Dungarvan
Co Waterford
Gold Coast Holidays Ltd
31
CCS00178
Casey's Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Clonea
Dungarvan
Co Waterford
Caseys Caravan and Camping Park
284
CCS34094
Dunmore East Holiday Park
4 Star
Dunmore East
Dunmore East
Co Waterford
Alan Skehan
41
CCS00225
Fitzmaurice's Caravan & Camping Park
2 Star
Riverstown
Tramore
Co Waterford
Fitzmaurice's Caravan and Camping Park
110
CCS00168
Newtown Cove Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Tramore
Co Waterford
Newtown Cove Caravan and Camping Park
40
CCS34069
Carne Beach Holiday Park
3 Star
Carne Beach
Co Wexford
Ray Doyle
40
CCS00324
The Trading Post Camper Park
4 Star
Ballynamona, Ballaghkeen
Enniscorthy
Co Wexford
Mr Patrick Power
21
CCS00332
Ferrybank Caravan Park
3 Star
Wexford Swimming Pool and Leisure
Ferrybank
Co Wexford
Wexford Borough Council
52
CCS00112
Morriscastle Strand Family Caravan Park
4 Star
Kilmuckridge
Co Wexford
Mr Edward Darcy
250
CCS00163
Ocean Island Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Fethard On Sea
New Ross
Co Wexford
Mr Laurence Whelan
42
CCS00253
St Margarets Beach
3 Star
Our Ladys Island
Rosslare Harbour
Co Wexford
Mr and Mrs Fran and Kathryn Traynor
38
CCS00279
Moat Farm Caravan and Camping Park
3 Star
Donard
Co Wicklow
Mr and Mrs Edward and Nuala Allen
40
CCS00298
Hidden Valley Holiday Park
4 Star
Rathdrum
Co Wicklow
Mr Lloyd and Molly Williams
80
CCS00181
River Valley Caravan Park
4 Star
Redcross
Co Wicklow
Mr Robert Williams
190
CCS00153
Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Roundwood
Roundwood
Co Wicklow
Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park
71
You must be logged in or your permissions are to low to see this Attachment(s).
sprinter
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Co Wicklow
Age: 93
Posts: 7717
Registered: 01 / 2015
My Motorhome: Matilda 2 Pilote 703FP Explorateur
Base Vehicle: 3ltr 318 Sprinter Automatic
Subject:

Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #7
The last one on your list Roundwood is closed until April 2019
baguette
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Cork
Age: 73
Posts: 2939
Registered: 11 / 2011
My Motorhome: Rapido 963F
Base Vehicle: Ducato 2.8 JTD Power
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #8
Great list, but about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.

Example:
Caseys Caravan and Camping Park
284 pitches
About 200 are permanent mobile homes
Many of the remaining pitches are seasonally occupied by touring caravans, this leaves only a small number genuinely available for those touring and looking to stay overnight or for a few days.

The rest of the list is undoubtedly populated with caravan and camping parks with similar profiles. Which means the published figure for pitches provided by the sector is a totally irrelevant number.
CHAUSSON
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Tipperary
Posts: 6813
Registered: 02 / 2012
My Motorhome: Knaus Sport Ti 700 UFB Silverline
Base Vehicle: Renault Master 150 dci Quickshift
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #9
if you go to Mad Max's list of campsite's open for the winter, There are less than 20 open for the winter if you take Norman view which is an aire, treegrove is not officially open as is the woodlands Tralee closed for two months, out of the list and there are probably more not officially opened.
Thorn123
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Laois
Age: 49
Posts: 2589
Registered: 07 / 2016
My Motorhome: Chasson flash 03
Base Vehicle: Ford transit 2.2
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #10
"88 approved caravan and camping sites."
And there lies the problem.
Faltia Ireland are talking out both sides of their mouth on this one.
On one hand ,they want to promote mh tourism while on the other hand, they are the approval body for caravan and camping parks.
They want our European counterparts to come to Ireland in their droves, but they can only stay in Faltia Ireland "approved " accommodation.
Thinking between the lines, upon them mentioning about new guidelines for local authorities for 2019, they must have a proposal with the Dept of environment and local government, because it would need a ministerial order to be granted.
Malcolm
JJF
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender: n/a
Location: Donegal
Age: 57
Homepage: MotorhomeCraic.com
Posts: 5351
Registered: 10 / 2014
My Motorhome:
Base Vehicle:
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #11
Too right Malcolm.....
When we tour in Europe it becomes so pathetically apparent of the woeful lacking facilities that Ireland possesses for Motorhome tourism.
There is just no way our European counterparts will come to Ireland when they know of the lack of such facilities..... and they do know, it’s a community where news travels fast.

That ‘failte ireland’ document just shows the lack of knowledge that lies within a body that is suppose to represent our interests, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest...... anything that is public sector government backed ‘jobs for the boys’ type of employment is doomed to failure before it starts.
Daffysparks
 
Avatar
 
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #12
You are 100% correct Jon.
Stay where you are and enjoy it.
I can’t wait till I can do the same
sprinter
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Co Wicklow
Age: 93
Posts: 7717
Registered: 01 / 2015
My Motorhome: Matilda 2 Pilote 703FP Explorateur
Base Vehicle: 3ltr 318 Sprinter Automatic
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 21.11.2018  ·  #13
At this stage I think a view of the whole newsletter may be of interest.
Sustaining our Success Together

Welcome to this special edition of our industry newsletter focusing on our recent Sustaining Success conference in Croke Park where our Plans for 2019 were unveiled.

Over 500 tourism sector representatives attended showing that the industry is united and determined to ensure that 2019 will be another positive year of growth, expansion and success.

During the day, significant opportunities and challenges were highlighted and below we set out the presentations from the day and how Fáilte Ireland will work with you not just to help overcome those challenges but as importantly to leverage the opportunities that lie ahead

Dear Industry Member,

It was my pleasure to launch Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019 at the 'Sustaining Success' conference in Croke Park on Monday, 12th November last.

For those of you that were able to attend, I hope you found the day informative and worthwhile.

For those that were unable to attend, this special edition of our industry update should hopefully inform you of the day's activities.

As you know, 2018 has been an exceptional year for tourism. Our latest estimates show that we will have welcomed over 9.6m overseas tourists and 9.8m domestic trips this year, generating €7.8bn in revenue.

There is now an impressive 260,000 people estimated to be employed in the sector, an increase of 20,000 since 2017. The tourism industry is so important to the national economy, particularly when you consider that this growth in revenue and jobs is generated in many parts of the country where many other major industries do not exist.

As I pointed out at the conference, we cannot become complacent. There are many challenges ahead.

The return to the 13.5% VAT rate will be a significant commercial challenge for tourism businesses, and the resulting upward price pressure could damage our international competitiveness.

Similarly, Brexit and the potential wide-ranging implications it may bring pose a major challenge for 2019.

However, despite these challenges, there is still lots of cause for optimism in the sector; continued long term global growth in tourism; new market opportunities; our industry’s excellent international reputation; new accommodation capacity and tourism attractions coming on stream; increased government investment in the sector and, critically, further improvements to direct air access forecast for next year

For 2019, we will implement a number of initiatives to equip tourism with the tools needed to face the challenges ahead including:

Development of more Visitor Experience Development Plans intended to drive visitor numbers to the regions and lesser visited areas and to bring to life new visitor experiences, themes and stories. The VEDPs are intended to increase dwell time and revenue, while complementing the environment and culture of the region.

With Festivals and Events attracting over 200,000 overseas visitors to our shores with a spend of €108 million, our intention is to grow this even more especially during the off-peak season. We're looking at developing a major festival of Halloween, the Celtic festival of Samhain with activities planned for thoughout the Ireland's Ancient East region.

To celebrate our culinary ability and tradition a new ‘Month of Food’ programme is also to be developed, which will offer immersive food tourism experiences, showcasing the quality of Irish produce and driving increased visitor numbers and revenue through the off season.

One of issues affecting industry is skills shortages and we are delighted to announce that a new Hospitality and Tourism Careers Oversight Group is to be established to address labour supply and skills developments issues which are currently affecting growth for tourism businesses. This new group will be chaired by Fáilte Ireland and include industry representative bodies, education providers and state agencies. The group will design and implement a major promotional campaign to encourage the more people to choose a career in tourism.

We also intend to undertake a major new marketing push for the domestic and Northern Ireland markets alongside a campaign to increase our share of the overseas business tourism market.

Exciting developments ahead and more information on each is available in the downloads below.

Paul Kelly,
CEO,
Fáilte Ireland
killiand
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender: n/a
Location: Meath
Age: 34
Posts: 870
Registered: 09 / 2015
My Motorhome: Knaus Traveller S520
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato (1993)
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #14
If I make up some sort of shared list from the above will you all assist with your knowledge of places and we can send it back?
sprinter
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Co Wicklow
Age: 93
Posts: 7717
Registered: 01 / 2015
My Motorhome: Matilda 2 Pilote 703FP Explorateur
Base Vehicle: 3ltr 318 Sprinter Automatic
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #15
Killian is this the sort of thing you mean copy and past their winter opening and spaces available for summer.but if we do that we will end up with a load of posts.

Ally is it possible to edit someones else post it would be a cleaner way to do it if you could add the info across from each entry

Something like this

Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park
4 Star
Roundwood
Roundwood
Co Wicklow
Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 2019.
71
baguette
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Cork
Age: 73
Posts: 2939
Registered: 11 / 2011
My Motorhome: Rapido 963F
Base Vehicle: Ducato 2.8 JTD Power
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #16
Taking this from Sprinters original post
Fáilte Ireland is currently developing a set of guidelines for camper van sites which will be introduced to Local Authorities in early 2019. In addition, we liaise on a regular basis with representatives of the Caravan and Camping sector to discuss the continued development and promotion of the sector.

The guidelines spoken of are the result of a comprehensive tour by an outside consultant with experience in the tourism industry. Quite a few existing Motorhome Parking Areas were visited and motorhome based tourists interviewed during the fact-finding phase.
I understand that the guidelines will draw heavily on existing places like Cobh, Eyeries, Moneylands Farm, Portumna and other such places.

However, and it's a BIG, however, any liaison with The Caravaning and Camping Council on the matter can be expected to draw significant arguments from them against the development of Motorhome Parking Areas, particularly within xx km of existing Caravan and Camping Parks. This could cause difficulties for the provision of Motorhome Parking Areas in places like Galway, Tramore, Killarney and other places, notwithstanding the fact that Caravan and Camping Parks in offer a different product, many are only open for the few months of the summer season and are often located too far from the local town to facilitate a leisurely stroll to the 'main street'.
killiand
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender: n/a
Location: Meath
Age: 34
Posts: 870
Registered: 09 / 2015
My Motorhome: Knaus Traveller S520
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato (1993)
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #17
@sprinter - I was going to look at creating a shared excel document of some sort - haven’t looked at the logistics yet but would be liking to avoid messy posting :)

Colin a do you think it’s an exercise worth completing or one that will shine the wrong light?
kabundi
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Craigavon
Age: 76
Posts: 588
Registered: 06 / 2012
My Motorhome: Burstner Harmony 680G
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato X290 2.3L 130bhp
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #18
Quote by killiand

@sprinter - I was going to look at creating a shared excel document of some sort - haven’t looked at the logistics yet but would be liking to avoid messy posting :)

Colin a do you think it’s an exercise worth completing or one that will shine the wrong light?


Is this what you want
You must be logged in or your permissions are to low to see this Attachment(s).
sprinter
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Co Wicklow
Age: 93
Posts: 7717
Registered: 01 / 2015
My Motorhome: Matilda 2 Pilote 703FP Explorateur
Base Vehicle: 3ltr 318 Sprinter Automatic
Subject:

Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #19
Quote by kabundi

Quote by killiand

@sprinter - I was going to look at creating a shared excel document of some sort - haven’t looked at the logistics yet but would be liking to avoid messy posting :)

Colin a do you think it’s an exercise worth completing or one that will shine the wrong light?


Is this what you want


we could add another couple of column to indicate winter opening and add the ones we know are open and then contact the rest of them to see what their story is and add it to the page.
baguette
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Cork
Age: 73
Posts: 2939
Registered: 11 / 2011
My Motorhome: Rapido 963F
Base Vehicle: Ducato 2.8 JTD Power
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #20
A good spreadsheet.

However, there are two vital column missing.
After 'Total Number Units' there should be a column 'Total Touring Units'. As we know many of the overall total are not available to tourers because they are static mobile homes while others are let on a seasonal basis to people with touring caravans.
Another column should give the number of days per year the premises is open to tourers.

Don't expect the Caravan and Camping Council to divulge the above information as it would undermine their case to prevent the provision of Motorhome Parking Places.

Example:
CLICK HERE have a look in satelite view and count how many of the 284 pitches are available for tourers and that number includes pitches let out for touring caravans which are left in place for the whole season.

And how many of the 31 are available HERE and there are buckets more the same, check using google maps.
kabundi
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Craigavon
Age: 76
Posts: 588
Registered: 06 / 2012
My Motorhome: Burstner Harmony 680G
Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato X290 2.3L 130bhp
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #21
Revised spreadsheet attached.

First line only completed as a demo - not actual correct data
You must be logged in or your permissions are to low to see this Attachment(s).
baguette
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Cork
Age: 73
Posts: 2939
Registered: 11 / 2011
My Motorhome: Rapido 963F
Base Vehicle: Ducato 2.8 JTD Power
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #22
Quote by kabundi

Revised spreadsheet attached.

First line only completed as a demo - not actual correct data


Looking at Google Maps I count all 20 hardstands as statics and can see zero hard stands for tourers
Thorn123
Eat's Sleep's craic
Avatar
Gender:
Location: Laois
Age: 49
Posts: 2589
Registered: 07 / 2016
My Motorhome: Chasson flash 03
Base Vehicle: Ford transit 2.2
Subject:

Re: Fáilte Ireland's Plans for 2019

 ·  Posted: 22.11.2018  ·  #23
If anyone has a few moments, drop into a local Tourist info office and ask for the campsite guide book.
Since the 2018 is out of date now, it should be free.
The "88 approved sites " will listed along with their opening and closing dates.
Use their referenced published information against them.
Also, if any members have an european base (mh) friend, get them to email failte Ireland for an accurate list of mh places to stay in for next February.
Failte Ireland talk about a demand led marketplace, but as a parallel example, I wonder does failte ireland promote air b&b.
Malcolm
Selected quotes for multi-quoting:   0

Registered users in this topic

Currently no registered users in this section

The statistic shows who was online during the last 5 minutes. Updated every 90 seconds.