Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has officially opened the new €1.4 million Curracloe Water Sports Facility in Co. Wexford.
Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council, the facility is described as "a best-in-class outdoor tourism amenity designed to enhance the visitor experience and serve as a central hub for water-based activities in the region".
Fáilte Ireland says it is the first of 19 water sports facilities that will open across 13 counties, which is part of the tourism authority's Platforms for Growth investment scheme.
With a total investment of almost €35 million, the scheme targeted projects with the greatest potential to grow tourism across Ireland and strategically enhance the national tourism offering.
The Curracloe Water Sports Facility is a flagship project within Fáilte Ireland’s Wexford Destination Experience Development Plan, launched in July 2025.
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development, Fáilte Ireland, Cllr. Garry Laffan, Mayor of Wexford, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Joe Sullivan and Ruth Andrews, Chairperson, National Tourism Development Authority (Fáilte Ireland) at the official opening of the new €1.4 million Curracloe Water Sports Facility in County Wexford. Photo: Patrick Browne
"Aimed at elevating Wexford’s coastal offering and extending the visitor season, the facility provides year-round access to high-quality amenities including hot showers, changing rooms, toilets, secure locker storage, and external showers," it says.
Accessibility and sustainability are central to the project, with features such as full wheelchair access, solar heating panels, and a changing facility.
An additional funding strand was introduced earlier this year to further enhance accessibility beyond the facility itself. This includes improved access routes between arrival points, the water sports facility, and the waterfront, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all visitors.
