Elected Members, Representatives from Community Groups, Project Team members, Fáilte Ireland Representatives and Main Contractor 

The sod has officially been turned on the new €1.3 million Water Sports Facility at Fenit, County Kerry. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Kerry County Council, this best-in-class outdoor tourism amenity aims to enhance the visitor experience and serve as a central hub for outdoor activities in Fenit.

The new Water Sports Facility at Fenit will help extend the outdoor tourism season by providing year-round hot showers, changing rooms, toilets, secure storage, induction space, and equipment washdown areas. Accessibility and sustainability will be key focus points for the project, ensuring full wheelchair access and the installation of solar heating panels. It will also feature a Changing Places facility along with an accessible toilet. 

Breaking ground to mark the beginning of construction on the new tourism development, Mayor of Tralee Municipal District, Cllr. Mikey Sheehy said, ‘I am delighted to turn the sod to mark the commencement of construction on this project that will enhance the tourist experience at Fenit. This investment in the infrastructure for outdoor activities including the wide range of water-based adventures that take place here, funded by Kerry Council Council and Failte Ireland under the Platforms for Growth Programme, will extend the tourism season in Fenit to all year-round.’

Head of Activities at Fáilte Ireland, Fiona Monaghan said, ‘Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism and enhancing the visitor experience across the country. Today marks the beginning of the journey in developing a fantastic new tourism amenity that will help strengthen the outdoor tourism offering in Co. Kerry. Kerry is renowned for its stunning landscapes, towering mountain peaks and its beautiful beaches – and Fenit is no exception. Fenit beach is a key asset along the Wild Atlantic Way, with so much potential to attract both international and domestic visitors. We look forward to working with Kerry County Council to develop this best-in-class Water Sports Facility that will benefit both visitors and the local community while helping extend the outdoor activity season in the area.’

This project is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Scheme, funded under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy. The first Fáilte Ireland investment scheme of its kind, it specifically targets ‘platforms’ or projects that have the greatest potential to grow tourism across Ireland and strategically enhance the Irish tourism offering to meet visitor needs. The Water Sports Activity Facility at Fenit is one of 19 facilities to be developed across 13 counties under this scheme. 

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