Accommodation at some hotels in Lahinch has already sold out for the weekend of next year’s Irish Open, even though its still over one year away.
Yesterday’s announcement that the tournament is coming to North Clare has been widely welcomed across the community and is expected to have a knock-on economic impact on the surrounding towns and villages.
Former European Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley will be hosting next year’s event and recommended the venue.
He’s told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that Lahinch is the best place by far for the Irish Open:
While there’s been a warm welcome to the event locally, concern has been raised about the need for more spending on infrastructure, with one local Councillor calling for a major injection of funding.
Clare County Council has moved to assure that it will be working closely with an Garda Síochána, the European Tour, Lahinch Golf Club and other stakeholders to ensure that an appropriate and effective traffic management plan is in place.
The local authority is hoping to utilise experience gained from facilitating over 400,000 people visiting Ennis during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann over the past two years.
Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports from Lahinch:
There’s a buzz of excitement around Lahinch today following yesterday’s confirmation that Ireland’s biggest golfing tournament is on its way to Clare.
It’s the first time it’ll be held in the Banner County and is to be hosted there by Paul McGinley.
Aside from bringing some of the sport’s top players to Clare, the impact on the local economy is expected to be huge.
Local hotelier Michael Vaughan is already seeing the benefits of it.
Today, business owners around the town are celebrating before they begin preparations for the event next year.
However, the news has also led to some concerns about the infrastructure in Lahinch and its ability to cater for thousands of additional people coming to North Clare.
In recent weeks, local Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery hit out at the local authority for a lack of spending in Lahinch.
He’s still concerned and says they’ll need significant finance to ensure the village is up to scratch to be showcased to the world.
Meanwhile, Lahinch Golf Club Manager Paddy Keane says while they’re relishing in the glory of the news now, the work will begin in earnest.
