A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure

Abstract

In July 1999 the Marine Institute published an Investment Strategy for the Water-based Tourism and Leisure Sector in Ireland 2000-2006. The strategy recommended a programme of investment aimed at; (1) the provision of new infrastructure and facilities strategically positioned around the coastline (2) the development of high quality integrated clusters of water-based tourism and leisure activities which would attract overseas and local visitors. These recommendations were incorporated into the National Development Plan 2000-2006 where investment will be provided via a range of initiatives administered by: the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources (Marine Tourism Measure); Central Fisheries Board (Tourism Angling Measure); Bord Fáilte (Tourism Measure); Local Authorities and Sports Council (Culture, Recreation and Sports and Local Development Measures). Specifically, financial provisions have been made within the NDP to contribute towards the development of new and existing infrastructure for the leisure sector. The Marine Institute has published “A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure” to assist in targeting investment decisions so as to ensure that new developments meet the needs of three key target groups: • Overseas tourists • Domestic tourists • Local residential populations for sport and recreation. The report sets out the criteria which can be used as a guide in the evaluation of future development projects. The report applies these criteria in a national context to produce a balanced development strategy which addresses user demand, scale and spatial and environmental considerations. The economic or technical feasibility of developing any of the proposed locations was not examined in detail. All proposed development will require a full feasibility study. The Marine Institute believes that in order to achieve maximum benefit from the investment programmes that exist, there must be a coherent national plan which seeks to integrate the development requirements of the marine leisure sector with the requirements of other marine sectors. This report should be seen as a contribution to the debate on how best to develop our significant coastal resources for tourism and leisure.