Co Clare politician proposes €1.6m annual fund to reopen Cliffs of Moher coastal walk

​Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has proposed the establishment of an annual benefit fund to expedite the reopening of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. The initiative aims to provide financial support to local landowners and fund community projects in the surrounding areas.​

In a written submission to Clare County Council, Deputy Cooney suggested that the fund be financed by allocating €1 from each visitor's entry fee to the Cliffs of Moher Experience. With over 1.6 million visitors annually, this could generate approximately €1.6 million per year.

Cooney recommends that 30% of this fund be directed to the 36 landowners along the coastal path, equating to around €480,000 annually, with the remaining €1.12 million supporting social, economic, and environmental projects within the community.

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk has faced extended closures due to safety concerns identified in a Sport Ireland inspection. The southern section of the trail, stretching from the visitor center to Hag's Head, is expected to remain closed throughout 2025, while efforts are underway to reopen the northern section connecting the visitor center to Doolin. 

The Tobin Report, commissioned to assess the future management of the trail, recommends that Clare County Council acquire full ownership of the lands along the 18 km route, potentially through Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs). Deputy Cooney, however, expressed reservations about the adversarial nature of CPOs and advocated for long-term lease agreements, suggesting 20-year terms to ensure landowners maintain an ongoing stake in the venture.

Cooney also proposed that the strategic development and management of the amenity remain within the main local authority governance structure rather than being delegated to a Designated Activity Company (DAC). He emphasized the importance of maintaining public oversight and ensuring that the wider public good is prioritized in the management of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

The proposed benefit fund and management strategies aim to address the financial and operational challenges associated with maintaining the trail, ensuring its safety, and supporting the local community that relies heavily on tourism generated by this iconic natural attraction.