ECO Label
Programme
By Mart Martensen
Under the auspices of Udaras na Gaeltachta, an EU and NASC funded 'LIFE' programme follows the implementation of this environmental project. Specified areas in Ireland are combined and chosen due to their different tourism potentials. The purpose of the eco-label is "to give a clear signal that a particular area has a top class environment and is worth going to visit". A Steering Committee will supervise the implementation.
On the financial side, the EU has approved funding this project with Pounds 350.000 or 50% with the balance to be provided by the NASC members (related County Councils). The total of Pounds 700.000 will be spent by the organizers for administration purposes, printing, travel expenses etc.
The following Mayo communities have completed their application forms for ECO Label: An Echleim, An Chrois, Corclough, Seannachai, Cuan Oiligh, Beal an Mhuirthead, GaothSaile, Dhu Thuama, Baile Chruaidh, Bangor Erris, Glenamoy, Ballycastle/Belderrig, Ros Dumhnach, Dun Chaochain, Baile Choraic.
The request to consider a community presence on the Steering Committee was denied as well as a proposal to allocate a small part of the available funds to Communities for travel or participation contribution.
The principle idea of ECO Label for this part of Ireland is indeed a fine and honorable one and it will probably invite the respective community members awareness of environmental management. The fact that many parts of Mayo suffer from untreated and contaminated drinking water, no garbage collection in rural areas, no Waste Management Plan by County Council will handicap the smooth implementation of this programme. One would have to await a changing attitude of County Council to facilitate the minimum conditions for an ECO Label consideration.
It is indeed an honorable intention to increase the tourism to these areas. But as a tourist one meets already now difficulties to find suitable accommodations during summer time. To meet the demand of services and accommodations by a growing number of tourists, possibly by a different class of tourists which are the "spending tourists" and not the biking or caravan tourists with limited financial benefits to the area, the areas must change dramatically and engage in massive capital investments which results and consequences may change the face of this beautiful Ireland.
On the other hand, the non-existence of attractive tax incentives for investments will limit the investment demand automatically. Other countries, following a policy to encourage tourism related investments, provide tax holidays for up to 10 years with any tax loss to be carried forward by further 5 years, availability of free land and subsidized communication facilities.
Let us follow the ECO Label programme in good
spirits.
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