Efforts to drive tourism in the Dingle Peninsula may be doing more harm than good, according to a newly published report.
As the Irish Independent reports, the Fáilte Ireland Visitor Experience Development Plan — which was completed before the disappearance of Fungie the dolphin, a major draw for Dingle — suggests that despite “huge” traffic volumes in the region, they result in little spend.
It highlights that Dingle town itself has been the focus of tourism investment at the expense of other communities on the Co Kerry peninsula — and that previous decision-makers had failed to capitalise on the potential for wider heritage and cultural tourism.
Moreover, it warns that the sheer numbers of people passing through in coaches and private vehicles are putting significant pressure on the local environment.
The plan says: “The potential socio-economic benefits of tourism are not currently being realised and it is widely regarded that tourism on the Dingle Peninsula is at a crossroads.”
The Irish Independent has more on the story HERE.