A dolphin marketing group has been formed in west Clare as part of a national pilot project to promote ecotourism.
Irrus, which comes from an old name for west Clare, is in uncharted waters following 11 months of assistance by the Marine Institute, Shannon Development and the county council in implementing the recommendations of a report on the Shannon Estuary dolphins.
It was funded by the EU's Marine Eco-tourism in the Atlantic Area (META) programme.
The new group, comprising tourist and community interests, aims to develop a strong branding image and be able to apply for funding next year, the UN International Year of Ecotourism.
Last June, a Duchas-approved accreditation scheme began for boat operators bringing out tourists to view the school of some 100 dolphins. More than 12,000 people went dolphin watching last year, triple the number of the year before. This generated revenues of more than £600,000.
Ms Anne Wilkinson, the Marine Institute's programme manager for water-based tourism and leisure, said eco-tourism could be a means of regenerating coastal communities.
As part of the Irrus project, a detailed guide and map has been produced on eco-tourism in west Clare, citing dolphin watching, bird watching, diving and walking as activities.
Ms Zena Hoctor, the project manager of the implementation group, said the key challenges for the Irrus group were the expansion of its membership, deciding on a development strategy and examining funding sources. "The development strategy involves managing the area in a sustainable way."
Mr Paddy Maher, of Lahinch Seaworld and an Irrus member, said holiday packages needed to be devised. "West Clare is a fantastic and beautiful product but it needs to be nurtured and developed."
The Irrus website is at www.irrus.com