|
|
Cllrs back ringfort tourism drive
13.04.10
A CALL for Donegal
County Council to meet with the OPW, tourism chiefs
and Derry City Council to agree a strategy for
promoting Grianán of Aileach has been unanimously
backed by local councillors.
The motion, tabled by Sinn Féin councillor Pádraig
MacLochlainn, aims to ensure that the historic and
heritage value of the ancient Inishowen ringfort is
given its rightful place in local and national
cultural tourism.
The Buncrana-based councillor has long been
campaigning for the upgrading of visitor facilities
at the site along with a joined-up marketing
strategy to attract more tourists.
“I am determined to see the potential of Grianán of
Aileach fully realised," said Cllr MacLochlainn.
"I believe An Ghrianán is as historically important
to the people of Ireland as the Hill of Tara and
visually, much more impressive. However, An Ghrianán
has not been given the same promotion. This approach
has to end. |
 |
“While I welcome
improvements to the fort over recent years and the
commitment to a self-guide leaflet for visitors from
the OPW, this is only a start to what is required.
It is now time for all the local stakeholders to
come together with the OPW to sort this out."
Cllr MacLochlainn said the local authorities in
Donegal and Derry |
as well as local and
national tourism bodies needed to agree on a
joined-up strategy to promote the stone ringfort.
He said the financial resources necessary to make
Grianán of Aileach a top visitor attraction
supported by a visitor centre with guides also had
to be strategically sourced.
“Local people estimate that up to 100,000 people a
year already visit the site. Those of us responsible
in Inishowen, Donegal, and the North West need to
improve their visitor experience and ensure that the
local region benefits to the maximum from this
immense resource," he added. |
|
