Donegal County Council and Limavady Borough Council were honoured at a major awards ceremony at the Slieve Russell Hotel, County Cavan on Friday last for developing the successful crossborder Atlantic Drift Tourism project. The Daily Ireland Top 50 Cross Border Achievement Awards honoured 50 of the top achievers in cross border co-operation over the last year.
The ‘Atlantic Drift’ Tourism Marketing Programme picked up one of the six special achievement awards for its unique and innovative approach to marketing the entire region from the Giants Causeway to Limavady and Inishowen to the Donegal Gaeltacht. The €612,000 marketing project set up a number of touring routes, supported by a national and international marketing campaign and also promoted the highly successful Ferry service between Greencastle, Co. Donegal and Magilligan, Co. Derry. The programme also carried out market research on board the service throughout 2004 and 2005 and funded the construction of a passenger waiting area at Greencastle Ferry Terminal.
In accepting the award, Project Officer, Kevin O’Connor commented, “ We are delighted to receive this most prestigious of awards. The Project clearly highlights the benefits that can be derived from cross border co-operation and the need to market the region as one entity. Both Councils have worked very hard on this programme and the Lough Foyle Ferry Project for over four years”.
Mayor of Limavady, Cllr. Michael Coyle added, “ This award would not have been possible without the financial support given by INTERREG 111A, who provided €459,000. The other project partners, North West Tourism, Údarás NaGaeltachta, Lough Foyle Ferry Company and Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs also deserve praise for their effortless determination in helping the project succeed.”
Mayor of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Dessie Larkin agreed and concluded, “Donegal County Council is delighted to be working with Limavady Borough Council on this and many other initiatives. The cross border projects not only serve to enhance the reputation of the region as a must see destination but underline what a fantastic tourism product we have to offer.”
For further information contact:
Kevin O'Connor, Project Co-ordinator at 074 93 73700
Date: 8 March 2006