Press Release
For Immediate Use
13 June 2005
Exploring Diversity Together Initiative to visit Kinsale
This coming Friday Councillors and officials from Donegal County Council and Dungannon & South Tyrone District Borough Council along with delegates from Killybegs Tourism and & Flavour of Tyrone will visit Kinsale County Cork as guests of the local Chamber of Tourism & Kinsale History Society. The event is part of the Exploring Diversity Together Initiative, which is funded by the EU Programme for Peace & Reconciliation and is administered by both councils.
As Donegal & Tyrone prepare to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Flight of The Earls In 2007 and the events leading to the Plantation of Ulster, the delegation will study the preparations made for the 400th anniversary of the Battle of Kinsale in 2001, which received international acclaim.
The Flavour of Tyrone, a network of restaurateurs, & Killybegs Tourism are engaged in a process of developing quality local produce & restaurants in both counties. Kinsale is renowned as a centre of excellence in relation to quality cuisine and the quality of food. The delegation will meet representatives of the Kinsale Good Food Circle to share information & develop possible future links.
Both Councils also very interested in the work of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism, especially in relation to the development of twinning with towns in Wales & the USA. Tourism in Tyrone & Donegal was greatly affected by the Troubles and both Councils are exploring various initiatives to regenerate the industry.
The Exploring Diversity Together Initiative is funded by the EU Programme for Peace & Reconciliation. Cross-border co-operation is a learning experience & the Initiative aims at improving cross border understanding through increasing awareness, breaking down prejudice & mistrust & highlighting the realization of shared common interests and their benefit.
Communities in both local authority areas have been adversely affected by the Troubles, & in particular by their border location as a result of bombings and security measures. The Initiative is addressing the legacy of the conflict by providing opportunities for development across a range of sectors, including political & community, arts & culture and tourism.
Ends.
For further information contact
Ann Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72574
Mob: 087 919 2275
or
Colm Ó Dulacháin,
Cultural Diversity Officer
Donegal County Council
Mob: 087 284 7972