The residents around the Aran Islands have strongly voiced their discontent, upon hearing the news that a Texas-based company plans to develop a 50-acre area in Inis Mor into a theme park inspired by Irish TV classic Father Ted.
The firm, US amusement park giant Patrik Parkes Inc., announced the its plans earlier today.
The theme park, provisionally (and somewhat uninspiredly) called ‘Funland’ would contain rides and paraphernalia inspired by the Irish sitcom. ‘Chair of Death’, ‘The Pond of Terror’, and a ‘Tunnel of Goats’ are all said to be in the pipeline.
But local residents are less than pleased about the prospect.
PJ O’Flaherty, who runs the Ti Joe Watty’s bar on Inis Mor has been vociferous in his opposition.
He said: “Inis Mor is famous around the world for ancient Celtic culture and a place where people can enjoy the remote solitude of island life. It’s bad enough that we have to put up with Tedfest one a year, but this is a step too far.”
A formal decision by Galway County Council as to the fate of Funland is expected soon.