Cork County Council is actively working to identify locations throughout the county to establish serviced campervan/motorhome parks, anticipating a significant revenue stream.
The council pioneered this initiative with the first municipal-controlled site of its kind in Cobh several years ago, and the resulting revenue for the local authority is showing substantial growth.
According to figures released by Cobh municipal district officer Pádraig Lynch, the facility has generated €31,625 for the council so far this year.
The increasing popularity of motorhome/campervan holidays in Ireland is reflected in this significant income increase, compared to €22,480 for the same period last year.
At a meeting of the East Cork Municipal District Council, Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty emphasized the strong need for a similar park in Midleton.
He was informed that senior County Hall officials acknowledge the county-wide demand and are identifying sites, with plans “fairly advanced” and cost calculations underway.
Development of some of these sites is likely to commence before next summer.
Mr. Hegarty suggested the council consider its land outside its Youghal Road offices in Midleton for such a facility.
He argued its proximity to the town center made it ideal, and officials committed to exploring this option.
Fianna Fáil councillor Ann Marie Aherne noted that many campervans were currently parking near Midleton Distillery, occupying spaces needed by local shoppers.
“There are no services here for them, like the facility in Cobh, where they can hook up to electricity, water and dispose of effluent,” she said.
“Campervan and motorhome clubs are constantly telling me such facilities are needed for their members visiting Midleton,” Ms. Aherne stated.
Youghal-based Mayor of County Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, asserted that her hometown also urgently needed a similar facility, given its high tourist traffic. She was informed that the council was evaluating potential sites in Youghal.
Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen, representing the Cobh Municipal District Council, hailed the revenue increase at the Cobh facility as “brilliant”.
Plans also include developing similar facilities along the Blackwater Valley in North Cork and along the Wild Atlantic Way in West and South Cork.
Councillors representing the latter region highlighted the need for proper waste disposal facilities for these touring vehicles, citing incidents of effluent tanks being emptied at scenic spots, causing pollution and health risks.
