Oisin O' Connell outside an abandoned shop/diner in Cullenstown |
Mr O' Connell said;
"The great summer weather we
have experienced in recent weeks has led to shown the awesome economic
potential of our coastline. A trip to
Duncannon during the hot weather would reveal the endless possibilities that a well planned, well managed beach
community could offer."
"I was recently contacted by
locals who had visited Cullenstown beach, near Carrig-on-Bannow. They asked me to come down and have a look
at the area myself. While it is clear
that coastal erosion has had a damaging effect on this strand, a good crowd
were on the beach when I arrived and it was clear that this was another area
that had huge potential. In fact, up to
twenty years ago, Cullenstown was one of the most popular beaches in the south
east and a major tourist site."
"The thing that struck me
about cullenstown was the lack of services.
The local shop and restaurant have been boarded up and empty for over a
decade. The road connecting the big
beach to a more recluse smaller one is
almost impassable. There are signs along
the beach warning that parts are not suitable for swimming but there are no lifeguards
on duty, even during the hottest days when crowds descend on the beach."
"Cullenstown is a beautiful
beach and could be an economic gem if properly managed. The failure of local government to plan and
manage the development of Cullenstown has had a telling effect on the local
area which is devoid of the most basic of services. Sinn Féin will be petitioning for new
development plans to be drawn up for abandoned coastal areas like Cullenstown
so we may truly optimise the potential of South Wexford's coastline."
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