Rock-solid plan to boost tourism
Tourism in Galway could scale new heights with a rock-solid plan to convert a quarry into a mountaineering attraction.
The proposal, by Galway Mountain Rescue Team, is to develop Tonabrucky Quarry into a mountain rescue training headquarters, which would double-up as an ‘extreme activity’ tourist attraction.
The disused quarry, on the edge of the city, is owned by Galway County Council, who have a storage facility there.
Galway City Councillor Frank Fahy is backing proposals to turn the quarry into a base for mountain rescue training and for tourism.
Councillor Fahy says the local mountain rescue organisation currently operates out of just two car park spaces based adjacent to the helicopter pad at University Hospital Galway in Newcastle.
“The Galway Mountain Rescue Team has an extensive plan that would see the quarry turned into a training centre for their members. They propose that the quarry would be used to replicate the mountainous terrain that exists in Connemara. But as well as a training centre, it could also be used as a tourist attraction.
“Activity tourism is emerging as very popular and I suspect Fáilte Ireland would be very interested in plans for the quarry, which could be used for abseiling, rock climbing and mountain walking.
“Galway City is renowned for its water-based tourism – the sea, its canals and rivers. But I believe converting this quarry into an activity and training centre would be a great addition to the tourism package on offer,” said the Fine Gael Cllr.
For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.