The government’s first ever spokesperson for Coastal Communities is aiming to maximise tourism and marine opportunities in Clare.
Fianna Fáil Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan has been appointed to the role this week.
According to the latest Census results, over 35,000 Clare people live within five kilometres of the coastline, with 1.3 million in the same position nationally.
Residents along the seabord face a raft of issues such as coastal erosion, flooding, the decline of the fishing industry post-brexit and the struggle for locals to access housing in a market dominated by short term letting.
In order to tackle the deficits from a specific focus point, the Government has now appointed Fianna Fáil TD Christoper O’Sullivan as the state’s first ever Spokesperson for Coastal Communities.
The Cork South-West Deputy says a dedicated funding pot is desperately needed to improve infrastructure and enhance both tourism and commercial opportunities across the country, but particularly in Clare.
Currently in Clare, 6% of all coastal community jobs stem from the Seafood Industry, there are no affordable housing schemes beyond Ennis and Shannon, while today on AirBnB there are 1,154 homes listed for short term letting along this county’s coast.
Also in the state’s latest National Coastal Change Management Strategy, settlements such as Miltown Malbay, Ballyvaughan, Lahinch and Kilkee have all been identifed as high risk areas for future residential flooding.
Loop Head Fianna Fáil Councillor, Cillian Murphy says that while the appointment of a dedicated office for coastal issues is a significant starting point, he believes a strategic policy must be devised by government to adequately plan for the future.
You can listen to the full interview here:
