There’s calls for a fair landowner compensation scheme to be put in place immediately to accelerate the full reopening of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and prevent the closure of local businesses.
It follows the publication of the Tobin Report, which has recommended that Clare County Council should acquire all lands along the 18km route.
The goal of the Tobin report is to identify the appropriate future management structure for the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail.
It says Clare County Council should be the lead authority and should have complete ownership of all lands along the route, recommending Compulsory Purchase Orders if necessary.
Clare Independent MEP Michael McNamara insists, however, this is not the way forward.
It’s understood the 38 landowners along the southern and northern trails are receiving an average payment of €755 per year for providing access to tourists and hikers.
At present, the entire southern trail and a small section of the northern trail remain closed for remedial works and the Tobin Report estimates it will be 2028 before they reopen in full.
The works can’t commence until a compensation agreement has been struck with farmers and Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes at least one euro from every visitor attending the Cliffs of Moher Experience should be going their way.
The Bodyke Deputy claims this could free up a combined €480,000 for landowners with the over one million euro remaining going to community projects.
He’s warning time is of the essence, as local businesses are dependent on the attraction.
The Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association wants the Cliffs Trail to be futureproofed for the decades to come.
Former Chair Tom Lane believes the responsibility lies with the Cliffs of Moher Experience.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Clare County Council Statement
A spokesperson for Clare County Council said, “As the “Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Management Plan” or the so-called Tobin Report, is still a draft and not signed off by the relevant partners, Clare County Council cannot comment on the report at this stage.
The local authority does acknowledge however the upset to landowners following the leaked report of the initial draft, with much of the attention from the leaked report focusing on the possible use of CPO. This is never the preferred option of Clare County Council who remain committed to continue working with local landowners in the area to ensure a walk can ultimately exist from Doolin to Hags Head.
Clare County Council looks forward to engaging and discussing future plans for the Cliffs of Moher Walk with all interested parties following the publication of the final report.”
