Co. Wexford's new €1.4 million water sports facility is the first of 19 to open across Ireland under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Investment Scheme.
On August 28, 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.
“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," said Minister Peter Burke TD, at the opening.
"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."
Patrick Browne
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.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Joe Sullivan said: "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, said: “Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism and to enhancing the visitor experience, particularly in regional areas."
She called the facility "a fantastic addition to Ireland’s activity tourism offering" that will "play a key role in supporting the continued growth of the sector in Wexford."
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, added: "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
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.
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