SAIL WEST - €7M Tourism initiative was launched today in Donegal Town, Co. Donegal by An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan, TD.
The EU funded Sail West Initiative is the result of an extensive collaboration of over 20 partners from the West of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Supported under the INTERREG IVA programme the initiative aims to encourage the development of marine tourism across the entire region, through a targeted capital investment programme in key marine infrastructure and a concerted marketing campaign.
The Sail West capital investment programme will provide a necklace of highly developed boating, angling and marine tourism related infrastructure aimed at increasing visitor numbers to the Sail West region. This investment programme will be backed up by an ambitious marketing programme aimed at promoting the Sail West region as a must-visit marine and cultural tourism destination.
Launching the initiative, An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan said:
"I am extremely proud to launch the Sail West Initiative today here in Donegal. The Sail West Initiative is a good news story for everyone in the North West region of Ireland, as well as Northern Ireland and Scotland. The €7m capital investment programme and marketing initiative will be a great boost to all working and involved in the tourism industry, and through working with our partners in Northern Ireland and Scotland, we will be able to offer an exciting and diverse marine tourism product "
The Sail West project which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, is being led by Donegal County Council in conjunction with partners in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, namely Sligo County Council, Border Region Authority in the Republic of Ireland, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Coleraine Borough Council, Derry City Council, Larne Borough Council, Limavady Borough Council, Moyle District Council, The Loughs Agency as well as partners from Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company, British Waterways Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Aryshire Council, Visit Scotland and the Highland Council.
Welcoming the Sail West project, Howard Keery, Director of the Joint Technical Secretariat within the Special EU Programmes Body said:
"This is a highly innovative project that will transform the marine tourism sector through the creation of stronger cross-border links. Upon completion it will create sustainable employment opportunities and significantly increase the number of domestic and overseas tourists coming into the area."
Speaking at the Launch, Mayor of County Donegal, Cllr. Brendan Byrne commented:
“I am absolutely delighted to be part of the launch of this innovative and exciting project. The Sail West initiative is a recognition of County Donegal's status as a growing and established destination for marine tourism. I would like to thank all of our partners from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and indeed the Republic of Ireland for coming together to collaborate on what I hope will be a highly successful initiative. It is my belief that County Donegal has everything that a tourist could want; stunning scenery, an endless coastline with an abundance of blue flag beaches, excellent bars, restaurants, and shops, an unrivalled programme of festivals and events, and last but not least warm and welcoming people."
Garry Martin, Chairperson, Sail West Steering Group stated:
“The Sail West initiative aims to invest in the region of €1.7m to provide for improved access and berthing facilities at Bunagee, Inishowen, County Donegal, with the aim of increasing business, which would have a knock on effect on local restaurants, accommodation providers and sea angling providers.”
Donegal County Manager, Mr. Michael McLoone linked the Sail West initiative to Donegal County Council and Donegal County Development Board’s continued commitment to the sustainable development of tourism in the region, adding:
“This initiative will not only provide a much needed boost to the local economy, but as part of a wider regional push for greater economic collaboration and cross border co-operation will provide the tourism sector with much needed investment in marine infrastructure. Donegal County Development Board has identified the sustainable development of tourism as a key strategic development priority, and the development of our natural resources such as Slieve League, Malin Head and Inch Levels in tandem with our continued work with stakeholders across a variety of tourism related programmes will help us achieve our goals."
All media queries can be directed to Kevin O’Connor: Email: kevin.oconnor@donegalcoco.ie or Tel: 0872589723.