Press Release
Embargo: For use on 12 May 2005
Atlantic Drift
Major Cross-Border Tourism Initiative Launched for the North West Region
ATLANTIC DRIFT: A major new tourism initiative was launched today in Buncrana, Co. Donegal by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue, TD.
The unique marketing proposal has been established to promote new touring routes linking the entire region from West and North Donegal, including the off-shore Islands, to Limavady and the Roe Valley via the Inishowen Peninsula using the Lough Foyle and Swilly Ferry services as a lynchpin.
The initiative has been funded by EU Structural funds under INTERREG 111A Priority 1, Measure 1 Business and Economic Development. The project partners are Donegal County Council and Limavady Borough Council, the former taking a lead on administrative arrangements.
This €612,000 project which also received support from North West Tourism, Udaras NaGaeltacht and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, aims to increase tourism traffic to the region and ensure that the region is promoted as a viable international tourism destination.
Launching the Initiative, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue, TD said, “It is excellent to see the two council authorities working on a cross border basis to promote this natural hinterland. This project will add value to the overall visitor experience in this part of the Island.
The Minister added, “The project not only highlights the terrific variety of the product, from the Donegal Gaeltacht to the wonderful Glenveagh National Park but the outstanding natural beauty of North Donegal and Inishowen whilst underlining the ease of access to the breathtaking north coast of Northern Ireland, Limavady and the Roe Valley via the Lough Foyle Ferry Service.”
As a consequence of this support programme, a visitor servicing strategy will be implemented in order to improve the tourism experience for the visitor. An Interpretative Signage scheme is planned for the entire region in key locations in order to highlight the attractions and amenities in the area in line with North West Tourism and Northern Ireland Tourist Board visitor servicing strategies.
Construction will begin on a new passenger waiting area at Greencastle Ferry Terminal in coming months and various improvements will enhance the visitor experience while waiting to board the already successful Lough Foyle Ferry Service from Greencastle, Co. Donegal to Magilligan Point, Co. Derry.
According to Nuala Kerr, Deputy Chief Executive of Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the Managing Authority for INTERREG IIIA,” This fits perfectly with the aims and objectives of Measure 1.1 which is managed by the cross border partnership of NWCBRG, of exploring new ways of developing sustainable tourism initiatives, exploring new market initiatives and working in areas on a cross border basis for mutual benefit. In this case there is also a huge number of private sector developments and facilities feeding into the project, which is very commendable indeed - a symbiotic relationship for all parties involved"
Addressing the launch the Mayor of Limavady, Alderman Jack Rankin said, “I am delighted to be part of a project based upon such a valuable and
productive cross border partnership, one unique and innovative in its focus
and which I feel will reap rich rewards for the entire region in
increasing tourism figures and revenue."
Councillor Frances Conaghan, Chairman of Donegal County Development Board also commented, “It is fantastic to see the area being promoted using such a collaborative approach. It is also significant that we are holding this launch in Buncrana, given that the Lough Swilly Service from Buncrana to Rathmullan will commence for the second year next week.”
A visitor guide and map has already been distributed throughout the tourist information network in Ireland and various tourism service providers in the region. The region is being promoted nationally using a radio, newspaper and glossy magazine advertising campaign. In addition to this, a website containing all the necessary tourist information is up and running at www.atlanticdrift.net .
Ends
For further information contact:
Kevin O'Connor
Tourism Marketing Executive
Tel: 074 93 73700
Email: kevinoconnor@donegalcoco.ie
or
Anne Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72574
Mob: 087 9192275
Email: amconlon@donegalcoco.ie
Note to Editors:
§ The Special EU Programmes Body’s principal functions are to manage certain EU Structural Funds, such as the EU’s INTERREG 111A Ireland/Northern Ireland Programme 2000-2006 and other community initiatives and to support a range of development and regeneration programmes in the North and South of Ireland.
§ The SEUPB is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. The Body was established on 2nd December 1999, under the Good Friday Agreement 1998 and the British Irish Agreement, establishing implementing bodies. The Body reports to the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
· The INTERREG 111A programme is designed to support cross border co-operation, social cohesion and economic development between the regions of the European Union. The Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG 111A Programme covers all of Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland - Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo. The Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG 111A Programme covers all of Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland - Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo. Measure 1 - Business and Economic Development, aims to improve the economic climate of the region by assisting economic and social development through cross border activities.
· North West Region Cross Border Group is responsible for the management the 1.1 Business and Economic development measures in the North West Region.
· North West Region Cross Border Group is one of 3 local authority cross border co-operation networks and is supported by Derry City Council, Donegal County Council. Limavady Borough Council and Strabane District Council.
· Measure 1.1 Business and Economic Development:
o To strengthen the SME sector to make it nationally and internationally competitive.·
o To develop sustainable initiatives in tourism which increase visitor numbers. ·
o To explore and develop new market opportunities for the business and tourism sectors. ·
o To promote effective cross border business linkages in work areas of mutual benefit. ·
o Enabling joint development and marketing of goods and services.
o Developing environmentally and economically sustainable initiatives that exploit the natural amenities and safeguard the natural endowments of the eligible area