Construction commenced for National Surf Centre of Excellence
The delivery of the National Surf Centre of Excellence in Strandhill took a major step forward this summer with the commencement of construction. The €2.7m facility is funded by Sligo County Council, Failte Ireland, and the Department of Rural Community and Development. The facility will be a used by local, national and international surfers, and will cater for those providing advanced surfing training up to international standard – including video analysis equipment, training rooms and virtual surfing experience. The centre will include an interpretative display of the history of surfing in Ireland and the many local tourist attractions, and will provide a central meeting and promotional point for local tourism businesses, including walking tours and adventure providers. The Cathaoirleach Councillor Paul Taylor said ʻ This is a hugely important project for our Council and our community. Strandhill is already recognised as a prime surfing destination, and this facility will further enhance its reputation on the national and international stage, Our objective to promote Sligo as a key tourism hub receives a major boost with this development.ʼ Chair of Strandhill Community Maritime Company Councillor Declan Bree described the Maritime Centre as 'A flagship project for Sligo and the region. The delivery of the centre is due to the exceptional partnership of the surfing community and the people of Strandhill community who have worked with the County Council and the funding agencies. This facility will be the best of its kind in the country and will attract great interest from local and visiting surfers.ʼ
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