Sir, – Is it any wonder that France is the European destination of choice for campers and those who holiday by motorhome, with almost 4,000 approved destinations? By contrast, Ireland has only 129 registered and approved caravan and camping sites throughout the country (“Camper van users plead for Ireland to catch up with Europe in providing upgraded facilities”, News, June 6th).
Here in Listowel, a planning application by a local land owner for a 50-berth camper van park by the river Feale has recently been thrown into doubt after Kerry County Council moved to restrict the development by up to 30 berths, most likely making the proposed development unviable.
The planning authority says the development is too close to the river which is designated a special area of conservation.
Mayo had the first nationally recognised greenway in the country when the 44km Westport to Achill route opened in 2011 and which I thoroughly enjoyed cycling on at the time. Now Graiguenamanagh on the river Barrow is leading the way on providing affordable facilities for motorhome enthusiasts from all over Ireland and beyond.
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A winning tourist combination by any metric. – Is mise,
TOM McELLIGOTT,
Tournageehy,
Listowel,
Co Kerry.