Crosshaven being left behind as a tourist destination

 Ahead of the busy summer season local Councillors believe Crosshaven is not receiving its full potential as a tourist destination, and Cllr. Jack White believes Crosshaven deserves to be at the heart of the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan, and infrastructure should be a priority as Cork County Council engages with Fáilte Ireland writes Tara Maher.

April’s MD meeting saw Cllr. Jack White request the Carrigaline Municipal District seek a meeting with Fáilte Ireland to highlight infrastructure concerns that are holding back the seaside village potential. 

Cllr. White who is native to the village, believes car parking, road infrastructure, access by water and waste capacity are key considerations in preparation for the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan. The plan, which was announced last year aims to enhance visitor experience and unlock Cork Harbours potential by 2029.

Cllr. Jack White FG said “The infrastructure in Crosshaven is way behind where it needs to be to support the housing that has been delivered in the area over the last decade and if Cork County Council are serious about unlocking the village's tourism potential.”

““Other challenges including the waste water network, electricity and other items need to be addressed long term” both by Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland”.

Cllr. Patrick Donovan FF, seconded Cllr. White’s motion, and he believes that Crosshaven “is being left behind” and should be the start of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cllr. Audrey Buckley FF said that parking “is a basic but crucial element for a tourism village like ours.”

She also mentioned that previous feasibility studies have been conducted to resolve the parking issue but nothing more has been done, and a possibility of a site in Camden could  Rose Carroll, Tourism Officer stated that Cork County Council senior management is actively engaging with Fáilte Ireland in relation to the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan. 

Crosshaven

She told Cllr. White that “Regular discussions are taking place with Mr. Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East and his team, as well as with the appointed consultants Paul Hogarth & company.”

In addition to this correspondence, a Cork Harbour Tourism Plan Steering group, with representatives from Fáilte Ireland, Port of Cork and both City and County Councils,  has been established as a guide to oversee the development of the strategy. 

Ms. Carroll assured Cllr. White that through these structured engagements, the Council is ensuring that the infrastructural needs of Crosshaven are being clearly communicated as part of the plans formulation.  

Cllr. Buckley responded to the news saying “with new stakeholders now engaged, I remain cautiously hopeful that we will finally see positive solutions and real implementation. The people of Crosshaven deserve more than repeated studies and missed opportunities - they deserve action.” 

Camden Fort Meagher

Cllr. Patrick Donovan said if Cork Council were serious about Crosshaven, they need to be more ambitious, and the village should be utilised more.

Speaking to The Carrigdhoun, Cllr. Donovan said that “I feel we need to do more on a tourism front for Crosshaven and the wider Carrigaline MD. We have an area rich in history that we want to preserve and show off to visitors.”

Starting with Camden Fort Meaghar, one of the village's most popular tourist attractions, Cllr. Donovan requested an update from the Tourism Doctorate on the upcoming summer season. It was revealed that damage done from Storm Eowlyn has delayed the opening date that was initially set for early Spring and that necessary safety works are currently being constructed on the Fort and are scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.

Philipa Deane, Camden Fort Meaghar Acting Manager said "subject to work timelines and Health & Safety audits, we intend reopening mid-May” and teased some exciting new updates and developments. 

Camden Fort Meaghar is set to open seven days a week during the months of July and August and five days a week for the rest of the season.  

Maurice Murphy, Senior Executive Officer for Cork County Council told the Councillors that they are doing their best with available budgets to ensure Crosshaven’s success.