Paschal Mooney appointed Chairman of North West Regional Tourism Development Board

Fáilte Ireland North West has announced that Mr Paschal Mooney has been appointed as the Chairman of the North West Regional Tourism Development Board.
Mr Mooney, who is currently a journalist and broadcaster, has had a lifelong commitment to the development of tourism, both nationally and, particularly, in the North West. During his time in the Seanad in the 1990s, he was the Government spokesperson on tourism. His interest in tourism developed earlier, however, with both his father and later his mother being members of the Regional Tourism Authority and both also being instrumental in founding the Toastal in Drumshanbo, which remains in existence today.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Mooney said: “The priority for me as Chairman will be the delivery of the four main strategic goals which have been set for the North West Region and which will underpin Fáilte Ireland’s activities for the next three years. These priorities are: developing new reasons to visit, development of new access services, improving the soft adventure product, and utilizing and growing the cultural and heritage resources of the region. Access will remain a critical element of our development strategy and we will continue to focus on improving accessibility to the region by working closely with carriers, airports and transport providers.”
Other Fáilte Ireland activities in the region are focused on the development of a number of key attractions, including Slieve League in Co Donegal, the Dartry Range in Co Sligo and the Ulster Canal in Co Monaghan. Fáilte Ireland is also working to develop a number of activity products in the region, including surfing, cruising, angling, walking and golf, as well as a number of cultural and heritage products. “I am particularly committed to my Board working with Leitrim County Council to advance the Lough Allen Development Plan, which highlights the need for both water and land-based facilities for tourism” Mr Mooney said.
The aim is to increase tourism revenue to the region to €400m with more than 1 million holiday visitors coming to the North West by 2010. “We must compete with other destinations and offer a choice of truly exciting and exhilarating opportunities to our visitors”, Mr. Mooney commented. “We accept that only by creating world class visitor attractions can we realistically grow our visitor numbers.”
Paschal Mooney replaces Ray MacSharry, who resigned as Chairman of the North West Regional Tourism Development Board earlier this year. Mr. Mooney joined Fáilte Ireland Chairman, Gillian Bowler, who paid tribute to Mr. MacSharry, and thanked him for taking on the role of first Chairman of the Board and for the huge energy and enthusiasm he brought to the role. 
 

ENDS

 
For further information please contact:
Failte Ireland North West, Temple Street, Sligo
Tel: (071) 91 61201

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