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Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland to oversee the delivery of projects in Cavan-Fermanagh; Louth-Down; and Monaghan-Tyrone- Fermanagh
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Projects will be developed and delivered by Local Authorities to support the sustainable development of tourism and offer substantial economic benefits to each region
Today [26
th Feb 2025] Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland welcome the announcement of up to €23million in Government funding from the Department of An Taoiseach, under the Shared Island Fund.
Part of the ‘Shared Destination Project’, initiatives in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (Cavan, Fermanagh); Carlingford Lough (Louth, Down); and Sliabh Beagh (Monaghan, Tyrone, Fermanagh) will 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. These projects will be overseen, developed and delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Local Authorities in Cavan, Fermanagh, Louth, Down, Monaghan, and Tyrone. An additional funding allocation will go to Tourism Ireland to market these projects and areas overseas, to encourage valuable international visitors to the region.
Commenting on the announcement,
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said:
“The Shared Island initiative delivers significant funding to strengthen cross-border links, and these tourism projects will drive significant economic and social benefits to communities right across the region through the development of trails and the improvement of amenities. Tourism is a proven economic engine, and this major investment will support new business and employment opportunities and will build on the existing collaboration of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland in developing and marketing these regions.”
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald added:
“Tourism is a key economic driver across Ireland. The latest annual tourism statistics showed that in 2023 visitors to the north from the south was at a record high. This investment will help us to continue this success as we aim for tourism expenditure from overnight visitors to exceed £2 billion by 2035.”
Paul Kelly, CEO at Fáilte Ireland said:
“This significant investment in tourism development will help us to further unlock the untapped tourism potential in the border region, building on the substantial collaboration that we have undertaken with our partners in the Local Authorities, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to sustainably develop tourism in the area. I look forward to working closely with our partners to realise these exciting plans which will strengthen the offering in both the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East regions by enhancing the area for domestic and international visitors, while also delivering benefits for the local community through improved infrastructure and by creating new opportunities for employment.”
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive at Tourism Ireland said:
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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 announced today, which very much align with our strategy. Our research consistently shows that overseas visitors are motivated to come to the island of Ireland by an interest in exploring scenery, culture and heritage. Shared Island projects will help inspire visitors to stay longer and spend more in regions, thereby bringing greater economic benefits to these parts of our island.”
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, said:
“I very much welcome the announcement of this significant investment in new tourism infrastructure. Working with our colleagues in Fáilte Ireland and the local authorities these projects will allow us to knit together the tourism offer on either side of the border and allow the border region to realise its tourism potential.”
Details of the proposed projects below:
i. Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (Cavan, Fermanagh)
Delivered in partnership with Cavan County Council and Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, this project will develop a trail network that links existing trails north and south of the border, to enhance and further interlink the regional tourism offering at Cuilcagh and the wider cross-border UNESCO Global Geopark. Enhancement of the Smugglers Route trail will provide connectivity between the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Boardwalk and on to Cavan Burren Park. Onward connectivity to Shannon Pot is then feasible through the Cavan Way. Trail development will include interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure. A new Community-based Interpretative centre will also be developed in the village of Glangevlin.
ii. Carlingford Lough (Louth, Down)
Delivered in partnership with Louth County Council and Newry-Mourne & Down District Council, this project will deliver a network of trailheads, trails and water access points across the wider Carlingford Lough region; an industry capacity building opportunity to support industry in the development and utilisation of the ‘outdoors’. The project will increase connectivity between existing trails and tourism assets across the region. This will be complemented by the delivery of a Destination Experience Strategy to promote the region as a leading outdoor tourism destination.
iii. Sliabh Beagh (Monaghan, Tyrone, Armagh)
Delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council, this project will see the development of 73km of connected cross border trails (Walking, Cycling, Equestrian) with the inclusion of trailheads and gateways. Trail development will also include all interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure. These trails will incorporate artwork and sculptures throughout the network of trails making them a hero attractor for the areas and developing the area as an outdoor destination. These interventions will support the creation of a shared brand and vision for the area that unites towns and villages and operators in the area.
iv. International Marketing Programme
The three cross-border regional projects above will significantly increase access to the landscape and unlock storytelling, activities and new experiences for international visitors. Tourism Ireland has confirmed budget for one main campaign in the regional market. Additional budgetary provision will be made through the Shared Island Fund to allow for [two] further marketing programmes campaigns to include: [research to support the overall marketing position; comprehensive marketing campaigns; an industry development programme; and evaluation of campaign performance].
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