Taoiseach Briefed on ‘Shared Ireland’
Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. visited Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor, Co Down, for a briefing on the implementation of the “Shared Island Shared Destinations” projects.
The Taoiseach was joined by Aine Kearney, acting CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland; Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland; and Alice Mansergh, CEO of Tourism Ireland, in the Carlingford Lough area, which is one of three destinations that will feature as part of up to €23 million in Government funding, under the Shared Island Fund.
The Shared Destinations Project will see initiatives in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, Carlingford Lough and Sliabh Beagh, each receive funding for the development of cross-border trails, enhanced amenities and wayfinding, and interpretation to improve the visitor experience and encourage more domestic and international visitors to explore these regions, driving economic benefits for the local communities.
Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland will work in partnership with local authorities in both jurisdictions. An additional funding allocation will go to Tourism Ireland to market these projects and areas overseas to encourage valuable international visitors to the region.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“The strong collaboration from the agencies on these projects, supported through our Shared Island Fund, is very welcome, and very much in line with the ambition of building a lasting reconciliation for all communities on the island of Ireland.”
Paul Kelly said:
“Initiatives at Cuilcagh Lakelands, Carlingford Lough and Sliabh Beagh are creating new opportunities to connect communities and enhance visitor experiences across the region.”
Aine Kearney said:
“Working with our colleagues in Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the local authorities, these projects will allow us to enhance the island’s tourism offer through the development of new compelling visitor experiences, in turn supporting our collective ambitions to develop a more regionally balanced tourism economy.”
Alice Mansergh said:
“At Tourism Ireland, we market the island of Ireland overseas, sustainably increasing the value of inbound tourism for economies and communities island-wide. We warmly welcome the new Shared Island cross-border projects, which very much align with our strategy.”
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