Clare County Council looks set to expand its visitor facilities at the Cliffs of Moher.
It’s looking to put in place a new masterplan to rejuvenate visitor facilities, saying the site has become a victim of its own success.
It’s now 12 years since the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was opened at a cost of €30 million.
It’s become the country’s most popular natural tourist attraction with 1.5 million visitors a year, a figure that is set to increase to almost two million by 2025.
The Council is now making the case for additional visitor infrastructure – stating that existing systems are ‘sub-standard’ and that the attraction is “a victim of its own success.”
In a tender document, it points out that the infrastructure and arrival facilities at the site were originally designed for a visitor population of 400,000, and that visitors now find themselves queuing routinely for the likes of the toilets and restaurant.
The local authority is seeking consultants to draw up a masterplan, including concepts for a cafe, retail and interpretative elements.
Their document states that the challenge will be in delivering a world-class visitor experience, safeguarding the natural assets and minimizing any impact on those living in the area.
The final strategy is set to be completed by the end of next year.
