Parking charge at Cliffs of Moher

Madam, - Siobhán Walsh (August 15th) is incorrect in stating that "there is no visitor centre, restaurant or other facilities…

Madam, - Siobhán Walsh (August 15th) is incorrect in stating that "there is no visitor centre, restaurant or other facilities" to prolong a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. In addition to a retail area, there is a substantial café and a mini exhibition as part of temporary visitor facilities put in place earlier this year.

These are part of a €30 million project that will provide a world-class visitor experience at a world-class site. The new facilities, available from early 2007, will include a major visitor centre, retail area, restaurant and café as well as a complete upgrading of pathways and viewing areas at the Cliffs.

The €4 charge per vehicle currently levied goes towards the considerable costs of managing a site that attracts more than 750,000 visitors annually. These costs include the provision of car parking, visitor and car park management, toilets, repairs to pathways and viewing areas, litter collection and general maintenance. - Yours, etc,

GERARD DOLLARD, Director of Service, Clare County Council. Ennis, Co Clare.