Incentives should be put in place to encourage people visiting Knock Shrine and Cong to spend longer in Mayo, and visit other areas of the county.

That’s according to Ballinrobe-based FF Councillor Damien Ryan.

Over 1.5 million people visit the Marian Shrine in Knock each year, while Cong is a magnet for tourists – due mainly to its connections with “The Quiet Man”.

Councillor Ryan believes an enhanced tourism strategy needs to be put in place to take advantage of the large numbers already visiting these two locations – which are both in the Claremorris Municipal District.

He raised the matter at this month’s Municipal District meeting, and told Midwest News that the Co Mayo tourism strategy could be enhanced to develop the tourism potential of the Claremorris municipal district – particularly in relation to Knock and Cong….