€6M Funding Announced for Sustainable Tourism Developments on Sliabh Beagh
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced that the Irish Government has made allocations from the Shared Island Fund of over €6 million over the next five years to develop Sliabh Beagh as an eco-tourism destination.
The project was included in a package of interventions totalling €23 million into shared tourism destinations.
Sliabh Beagh is a protected upland area with heritage and conservation status, which covers parts of Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Monaghan.
The development of Sliabh Beagh as an eco-tourism destination has been led by Monaghan County Council, in collaboration with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council. The Sliabh Beagh Partnership Committee, made up of the three councils, has been working on this shared tourism project which will benefit the entire Sliabh Beagh region.
The funding for Sliabh Beagh will enable the development of extensive connected walking, cycling and equestrian cross-border trails around the mountain, with the inclusion of trailheads, public art and gateways.
Trail development will also include interpretation, wayfinding and other facility developments. The projects funded will increase the overall attractiveness of the Sliabh Beagh area which will assist in attracting new visitors and increase length of stay and total spend.
Making the official announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said: “The Government, through the Shared Island initiative, is moving forward with the task of building a lasting reconciliation for all communities on the island of Ireland.
“With the iconic Narrow Water Bridge under construction, we are now supporting Tourism Agencies and Local Authorities to collaboratively develop the tourism opportunities this will bring for Carlingford Lough and the surrounding region.
“We are also investing in new amenities and promotion of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and the Sliabh Beagh region, so that more people from home and abroad will visit and enjoy these spectacular destinations that straddle the border, and where local cooperation is at the heart of these sustainable tourism projects.”
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell, welcomed the announcement, adding:
I am delighted to welcome this £6 million investment to help develop Sliabh Beagh as a cross-border tourism destination. There is no doubt that we can significantly enhance our opportunities when we work on a cross-border basis and this project is one which all three council areas can greatly benefit from. This initiative showcases our shared heritage and natural beauty, attracting visitors and boosting economic growth for communities on both sides of the border. Having been brought up and currently living within the Sliabh Beagh catchment area, this area has so much potential. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring.
David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism NI welcomes the Shared Island investment in Sliabh Beagh. It is a significant investment which will help us further enhance the tourism potential in the border regions of Tyrone and Fermanagh.
“The €6 million investment will contribute to the Economy Minister’s vision of greater regional balance and will also help us achieve our goal of making the North a year-round, world class travel destination renowned for authentic experiences, landscape, heritage and culture.
“This funding will significantly help us enhance the visitor experience which, in turn, will help us increase visitor stays and levels of spend.”
