A fast food trader justifies operating his business from chip vans at the Cliffs of Moher.
Chairperson of Shannonside Tourism Tony Brazil is proud of the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre. During 1984 he expects the famous natural attraction in Clare willl be visited by 300,000 people.
Modern tourists expect areas of natural beauty to be equipped with amenities such as souvenirs, a coffee shop and toilet facilities within easy walking distance of the coach or car park. Shannonside Tourism reckon they have been able to achieve this without over commercialisation of the natural beauty spot.
However, the arrival of chip wagons at the Cliffs represents everything they're trying to avoid.
Simon Betson runs two caravans at the Cliffs of Moher,
I have a hot food take-away from one and an ice-cream parlour in the other one.
He has invested a lot of money in the two trailers and employs four full-time and two part-time staff. The vans continue providing facilities for locals and day trippers when the visitor centre at the Cliffs of Moher is closed.
I think I have as much a right as they do and I provide as good if not a better service than they do in the area.
A criticism of the chip vans is they are unsightly and totally out of character with the area. Once Simon Betson has secured a proper permit to trade in the area, he will invest in making his structures blend in with the environment.
Asked
about allegations of over-charging for cold drinks he explains that he must provide his own power plant,
It costs me a lot more to provide that service.
He dismisses accusations that litter from his vans is attracting vermin and insects,
I take all my own rubbish away and I have nothing to do with any rubbish that is left there.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 October 1984. The reporter is Alasdair Jackson.
