Mount Brandon Base Camp

Tourism and Enterprise Buildings

Business Plan

July 2019

Prepared for . Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith-Triúigh Teo

Brandon Base Camp Feasibility Study 2019

Contents

Executive Summary ...... 2 Strategic Context ...... 5 Initial Design Brief ...... 8

Revised Design Options and Uses ...... 11 Element One: Visitor Centre ...... 14 Element Two: Base Camp ...... 20 Element Three: Enterprise Space...... 22 Element Four: Retail and Workshop Space ...... 25

Tourism Market Segments ...... 26 Marketing Strategy...... 33 Investment Required ...... 37 Revenue Analysis...... 41 Cashflow Analysis ...... 42

Final Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 44

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Brandon Base Camp Feasibility Study 2019

Executive Summary

Project Key Objectives: In 2016 a community development plan was prepared for and Brandon on behalf of Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith Triúigh Teo. . To attract new walkers to the area (domestic & international). (CFLT). The plan was prepared by O’Leary & Associates Training & . To encourage walkers to stay longer and to return to the area. Consultancy who have also been commissioned to prepare this business . To support access to walking in the area for family groups. plan. A key recommendation within the 5-year plan was to investigate the development of a multi-purpose facility on the Údarás na Gaeltachta site in . To encourage users of the Wild Atlantic Way to stay. Cloghane. This site had been approved for planning as an Enterprise Unit . To encourage walkers on the to spend some more time several years before the plan. The planning had lapsed by 2016. The site in the area. remains in the ownership of Údarás na Gaeltachta. Project key actions / activities: In September 2015 Explore More Outdoors Ltd.1 prepared a preliminary report on the potential to develop a base camp in . Develop a full range of facilities to attract and support walkers, Cloghane. A Summary of the aims and project actions are provided here: including; - Safe parking - Toilets, changing rooms & showers - Tea Room & eating area - Camping facilities & drying room - training Aim of project: room & gear hire facility - Camper van stands. To build on the successful business model that has been created by Cronin’s Yard . To develop a centre of excellence for walking, hillwalking and other in Killarney. pursuits in the Cloghane/Brandon area to retain existing walkers and to attract new ones there, expecting that a percentage . Develop a strong brand (Mount Brandon Base Camp) and establish will require accommodation, food & refreshments and a compelling presence on echannels (website & social media), with entertainment while they are there. Fáilte & Tourism , at relevant trade shows. . To provide employment for 5-6 local people as guides/facilitators. . Train local people to become walking guides (lowland & upland) and support them achieving the relevant BOS qualifications. . To help put the North side of the (Muintir an Leith Triúigh) on the "Go To" map. . Catalogue a range of walks to appeal to walkers of all abilities and experience levels and make them available in an attractive, useable and accessible format.

1 www.exploremore.ie

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Brandon Base Camp Feasibility Study 2019

. Develop themed walks to add to the proposition and to attract  Comment on the existing proposed design and suggest families and passing visitors who might not be inclined to alternatives. undertake more strenuous walking.  Identify potential investment costs and potential sources of . Develop an Audio-Visual experience to promote the facility and as funding for same. an attraction in its own right. 