The Curracloe facility is the first of 19 water sports facilities to open across 13 counties under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Investment Scheme
Today [28th August 2025], Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, officially opened the new €1.4 million Curracloe Water Sports Facility in County Wexford. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council, the facility is 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.
This is the first of 19 water sports facilities that will open across 13 counties, which is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth investment scheme. With a total investment of almost €35million, 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, which launched in July 2025. 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. Accessibility and sustainability are central to the project, with features such as full wheelchair access, solar heating panels, and a Changing Places 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.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Peter Burke TD said:
“I’m pleased to officially open the new Curracloe Water Sports Facility today. This €1.4 million investment by the Government, through Fáilte Ireland and delivered in partnership with Wexford County Council, will significantly enhance the outdoor activity offering in the region. Curracloe Beach is already a much-loved destination and a brilliant local resource, and this new facility will attract more visitors eager to experience the natural beauty and adventure that Ireland’s Ancient East has to offer. It’s a fantastic example of how targeted investment in outdoor infrastructure can deliver long-term value, supporting tourism businesses and providing quality amenities to local communities. I look forward to witnessing the benefit of this targeted investment across the country over the next two years, as further facilities open under this initiative.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Joe Sullivan said:
“Curracloe is already a jewel in the crown on our southeast coast and from today we have even more to offer people. The new Beach Facilities will greatly enhance the offering to those visiting Curracloe, whether the local sea swimming group, surfers from across the country or casual visitors, and as a fully accessible and inclusive facility, in addition to our beach wheelchairs, we can ensure everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy this beautiful beach.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, added:
“Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism and to enhancing the visitor experience, particularly in regional areas. The new Curracloe Water Sports Facility, developed in partnership with Wexford County Council, is a fantastic addition to Ireland’s activity tourism offering and will play a key role in supporting the continued growth of the sector in Wexford. Accessibility is a key focus for the design of this facility with full wheelchair access and a Changing Places facility, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. Curracloe Beach is one of the county’s most valuable natural assets and a hub for water sports within Ireland’s Ancient East, with strong potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. As the first of 19 facilities to open nationwide under our Platforms for Growth investment scheme, we’re excited to see the positive impact this development will have, extending the outdoor activity season and delivering long-term benefits for visitors and the local community alike.”
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, said:
“It is very exciting to see these fantastic new facilities open today at Curracloe Beach, one of Wexford’s most treasured natural amenities. This project, made possible through the support of Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth programme, is a real investment in the future of our tourism offering and the wellbeing of our community. Curracloe has long been a destination of choice for visitors near and far, and these improvements will ensure that it continues to be enjoyed in a sustainable, accessible, and welcoming way for generations to come. I am very proud to say that Curracloe is the first of 19 similar facilities across the country. On behalf of Wexford County Council, I wish to thank Fáilte Ireland and the design and construction team for their commitment to this project, which enhances both our county’s reputation and the visitor experience.”
The Curracloe Water Sports Facility will be open to the public from 28th August 2025.
Purpose-built for visitors engaging in water-based activities such as surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, the facility offers a central hub for safety briefings, group coordination, and secure storage of personal belongings. A contribution of 50c for use of the toilet facilities and €3 for access to the indoor hot showers will go towards the ongoing maintenance of the facilities. The EPOS payment system will be installed at the facility in Curracloe in late November 2025.
