Motorhome stopover suggested for Rock of Dunamase

A council meeting was told the Rock of Dunamase should be considered for a motorhome stopover.  

Independent Councillor Tommy Mulligan tabled a motion asking "that Laois County Council explore options to provide facilities for motorhome aires in the county with a view to promoting tourism." 

The motion seeking motorhome aires- which are motorhome parking locations with basic facilities such as sanitation and power- was widely supported by members of the council.

“We have motorhomes travelling through the county everynight of the week,” explained Cllr Mulligan. 

He said there are plenty of towns and villages that would benefit from having camper vans stopping over. He urged the council to explore options for setting up or incentivising other to set up motorhome aires throughout the county. 

Independent Cllr James Kelly supported the motion and pointed out that “Laois is the home of festivals” and stressed the importance of tourism to the county. He noted sites in Durrow and Mountrath that would be suitable for motorhome aires. 

He said a lot of retirees are now investing in motorhomes and suggested the consideration should be given to the motion.   

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran welcomed the motion. 

“It is needed and as James said, there is more and more camper vans being bought,” she said. 

“All they need is a connection to electricity and somewhere they can throw away their wastewater and collect water,” said Cllr Moran. 

 She said the motorhome users spend money in local shops, pubs and restaurants but they have limited options in Laois. 

“There is nowhere for you to stay unless you stay in a church car park,” Cllr Moran said.    

Fine Gael Cllr Willie Aird said the motion should be considered. He noted the council had purchased land at the Rock of Dunamase and suggested that it might be a good location. 

Laois County Council supplied a written response to the motion. 

“Laois County Council supports the development of, and investment in new and existing tourism infrastructure and amenities in the County through the County Development Plan, Tourism Strategy and LECP.

The Council and other agencies are supportive of investment in these facilities in appropriate locations subject to planning permission and good environmental standards being met. 

Approximately 20 Expressions of Interest have been submitted for camping, glamping, accommodation upgrades in County Laois under the EU Just Transition Fund Scheme B which is being administered by Failte Ireland,” the council stated.