Letter: caravanpark will bringprosperity

I write in support of the proposal by Derry City Council to provide a caravan park at St Columb’s Road in the city.

The proposal replicates the Camac Valley caravan park opened by South Dublin County Council in 1966.

Camping/caravanning/motorhomes is a multi-million pound business.

Every year Camac Valley attracts many thousands of tourists to the city.

Every year Dublin Council benefits from leasing out the park and every year the pubs, shops and tourist attractions benefit from such a forward thinking strategy.

Tourists mean jobs, prosperity and less emigration.

Let me assure local residents that the proposed caravan park will not become a “halting site,” as some have suggested. There is massive demand for a quality caravan park within walking distance of the city centre.

In 2007 the Irish Camping & Caravan Club (ICCC) attracted 1,400 caravans and motorhomes from all over Europe to a ten day rally in Millstreet, County Cork.

Most went on to tour around Ireland, but few visited Derry.

Caravanners are not penniless alcoholics who enjoy terrorising local inhabitants. Most of us have worked hard for many years and want to enjoy the different cultures that Europe has to offer.

Caravanning offers our families relaxation and the opportunity to disconnect from the rat race. It widens our perspective of life and creates memories of a lifetime.

The ICCC wishes Derry every success in taking its rightful place as a world class tourism destination.

Yours in friendship,

Dermott McElmeel

ICCC Northern Branch