Óstán Oileán Acla, Achill – March 6, 2025
Achill’s tourism industry took centre stage last night as local business owners gathered at Óstán Oileán Acla for Achill Tourism’s Members Night. The event provided a vital forum for collaboration and discussion, with representatives from various support agencies, industry experts, and public representatives offering insights and proposals to strengthen Achill’s tourism sector.
The evening featured exhibitions from key agencies, including Údarás na Gaeltachta, Gaeilg’ Acla, Mayo Local Enterprise Office, An Garda Síochána, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Mayo Sports Partnership, Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla (CFÁA), and Mayo Local Link. SEAI addressed the ongoing energy cost challenges facing small businesses, while Mayo Local Link outlined its ever-expanding public transport network both within Achill and links between Achill and Castlebar.
One of the evening’s highlights was a presentation from Biddy Hughes of Westport House Estate, detailing ambitious plans for the development of The Grace hotel and the wider estate. The vision aims to position Westport House Estate as a premier national attraction, rivalling the Guinness Storehouse and Cliffs of Moher, further strengthening Mayo’s tourism appeal.
Three public representatives addressed the gathering, each outlining their priorities for Achill’s tourism and small business communities.
Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, acknowledged the cost pressures on local businesses. He announced the establishment of a small business unit to focus on key financial challenges, including energy costs, minimum wage increases, and statutory sick pay. He also expressed confidence that the 9% VAT rate revision would be secured in future budgetary processes and highlighted the creation of a cost of business advisory forum to address PRSI burdens.
Minister Dillon underscored the importance of Achill’s role in the Wild Atlantic Way and expressed commitment to infrastructure projects, including the Greenway extension, new watersports facilities, and masterplans for Keem and Keel. He stated, “Tonight is about Achill and everyone being part of the network. We have an enormous resource here in Mayo, and working together, we can enhance it for both domestic and international tourists.”
Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, reflected on her past experience working in Keel with Bord Fáilte and emphasized the need for clear decision-making processes in tourism development. She raised concerns about funding allocation based on population metrics and stressed the importance of an all-Ireland approach to tourism. Addressing recent storm damage, she called for a government fund to assist affected businesses and urged immediate action on the 9% VAT rate reduction.
She also highlighted the need for agencies to develop expertise in AI to better evaluate business proposals, ensuring that innovative ideas are not overlooked. “We need to extend the tourist season. You cannot make a sustainable living from a short season alone. Collaboration and forward planning are key,” she said, emphasizing infrastructure needs such as water and sewage services.
Cllr Paul McNamara, Mayo County Council, discussed the longstanding seasonal nature of Achill’s tourism industry and the necessity of extending the season through strategic planning. He stressed the importance of engaging with Achill’s diaspora, whose financial contributions continue to support the local economy.
McNamara also addressed pressing infrastructure issues, including the need for major investment in the R319 road and improved broadband services. He advocated for rates relief for seasonal businesses and called for urgent action on the 9% VAT rate. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing investments in Greenways, piers, and toilet facilities in Keel, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among businesses, the community, and politicians. “A community can deliver if it is together. Business brings more business, and we need to encourage and support each other,” he concluded.
A Future Built on Cooperation
The evening’s discussions underscored a common theme—collaboration is key to Achill’s economic growth. With significant investment in infrastructure, transport, and tourism initiatives, the event reaffirmed the commitment of both the public and private sectors to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for Achill’s tourism industry.
Achill Tourism’s Members’ Night served as a reminder that by working together—business owners, public representatives, and support agencies alike—Achill can continue to build on its reputation as a premier destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
