Released on: January 23, 2008, 5:25 am

Press Release Author: Dunphy PR

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Lough Derg, IRELAND, 23rd January 2008 - Members of the
public in Clare, Galway and North Tipperary and are being asked for their input on
the formulation of a tourism and recreational development strategy for Lough Derg.


Press Release Body: The aim of the 'Lough Derg Sustainable Marina, Recreational &
Tourism Development Strategy' is to maintain and improve tourism visitor services,
recreational facilities and environmental amenities around the lake and River
Shannon.

Clare County Council (Lead Partner), Galway County Council, North Tipperary County
Council and Shannon Development are currently conducting a study that will formulate
a strategy for the provision of marina and tourism related developments along the
shoreline of Lough Derg.

The study will focus on identifying existing facilities and determining future
market demand for marina/berthing/moorings or other relevant tourism developments
around the lake.

The upcoming series of public consultations will take place in Shannon Oaks Hotel,
Portumna (2-8pm, Tuesday 29th Jan); Lakeside Hotel, Ballina, County Tipperary
(2-8pm, Wednesday 30th Jan); and Kincora Hall Hotel, Killaloe, County Clare (2-8pm,
Thursday 31st Jan).

"It is important that anyone with an interest in the future development of Lough
Derg and its shoreline attend the upcoming public meetings," stated Mr. John
Bradley, Senior Executive Planner, Clare County Council.

He added, "Lough Derg is one of Ireland's most valued tourism assets but it is also
a vulnerable landscape, which is why it is imperative that it is the subject of an
extensive development strategy. The study partners, in conjunction with the local
community and interested parties, must ensure that an appropriate balance is
established, with development in the most appropriate locations and the protection
of vulnerable areas."

A Vulnerable Landscape Survey will feature as part of the strategy formulation
process. The aim of the habitat survey of lands in the Clare and Galway County areas
of Lough Derg is to determine the presence of features of archaeological, geological
or cultural interest, habitats and species. Among the sources of information
referenced during the course of the survey will be the Clare Landscape Character
Assessment, data from the Shannon River Basin District, Local Biodiversity Area
reports and EIS reports.

Meanwhile, a survey of marina and related water facilities at Lough Derg will also
take place. The survey will take into account private individual moorings, public
berthings, private group berthings and floating buoys around the lake.

Presently there are twelve public harbours located on Lough Derg at Killaloe,
Mountshannon, Williamstown, Scariff, Tuamgraney (Clare), Garrykennedy, Ballina,
Dromineer, Kilgarven, Terryglass (Tipperary), Rosmore and Portumna (Galway). There
are eight private harbours located at Killaloe, Mountshannon, Williamstown (Clare),
Cloondavaun Harbour (Galway), Ballina, Dromineer, Coolbawn and Terryglass
(Tipperary).

"All the indications are that demand for moorings will continue to increase on and
around Lough Derg", stated Mr, Bradley.

He continued, "This increased demand will lead to various problems including illegal
moorings, overuse of public harbour facilities, and increased and overuse of
existing private marina facilities. Therefore, it is incumbent on the planning
authorities to quickly establish an effective long-term strategy that will address
this anticipated increased demand."

It is anticipated that the study will be completed within three months.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
Interviews can be arranged on request. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of
Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Web Site: http://www.dunphypr.com

Contact Details: Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-(0)868534900 (Mobile)
00353-(0)656839692 (Fax)