FINGAL County Council’s bid to relocate a tourist information office in Howth has been delayed while it awaits formal approval for the move from a Government department.
The hold-up has angered local businesspeople. For some time, they have been calling for the office to be relocated from the very end of the west pier to a more prominent position for tourists.
The council has confirmed to Northside People that the tourist office kiosk is ready to be placed in the new location at the front of the harbour but conceded that there was a delay in its plans.
A spokeswoman for the council said discussions have taken place between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the council on the issue.
“The kiosk was acquired and refurbished and enabling works were carried out at the proposed location of the tourism office,
? she told Northside People.
“While it was acknowledged that a lease would be required from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, it was hoped that the kiosk could be erected before this summer’s tourist season and the lease concluded within a short time.
“However, having received notice of the council’s intention to erect the kiosk at the end of June, the Department issued a letter advising that works should not commence pending a formal decision from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to offer the site to Fingal County Council.
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The spokeswoman said the kiosk remains in storage until this decision is made.
“To date, despite several requests, the council has been given no definitive time period when a decision would be made by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform,
? she added.
“Therefore, the council is unable to give an estimated date on when the work will be completed.
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Local Senator Averil Power (FF) said it has been accepted for some time that the current location of the tourist information office in Howth is
“problematic
?.
“Following lobbying by local groups, Fingal County Council has therefore agreed to install a new tourist information kiosk in the front of the harbour opposite the old courthouse,
? stated Senator Power.
“The kiosk has been constructed for minimum cost out of an old carpark attendant kiosk which the council had lying around. The groundworks are all done.
“The whole thing is thoroughly daft. Tourism is the lifeblood of Howth and all Government agencies should be working together to develop it as much as possible.
“We need something that stands out for tourists. I think it’s essential that when someone comes out of the DART station they have somewhere to go immediately to find out all that Howth has to offer including restaurants, places to see and numerous activities.
“They shouldn’t have to go looking for a tourist kiosk that is hidden.
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Senator Power pointed out that the new tourist office kiosk would not cost the Department any money.
“The kiosk should be put in place as soon as possible,
? she added.
“A common sense solution is required.
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.