25th February 2025
- The Government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
- Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland continue to build on the strong relationships already developed with the local authorities in both jurisdictions.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today welcomed funding of up to €23m for three Shared Island Tourism Destination projects.
Carlingford Lough: A network of trailheads, trails and water access points will be delivered across the region; increasing connectivity between tourism assets and complemented by delivery of a Destination Experience Strategy to promote the region. The investment will harness the benefits of the Narrow Water Bridge as a lynchpin for sustainable tourism and recreation activity around the whole Carlingford Lough area.
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark: The trail network will be developed to link existing trails North and South of the border; enhancing and further linking the regional tourism offering at Cuilcagh and the wider cross-border UNESCO Global Geopark. Trail development will provide connectivity between the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Boardwalk and on to Cavan Burren Park and include interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure, including a community-based interpretative centre at Glangevlin village.
Sliabh Beagh: Extensive connected walking, cycling, equestrian cross-border trails around Sliabh Beagh Mountain will be developed along the border, with the inclusion of trailheads and gateways. Trail development will also include interpretation, wayfinding and other facility development.
Minister Burke said:
"I welcome the announcement of this significant funding, which will boost the all-island economy and benefit communities north and south of the border. These projects have the potential to deliver sustained economic, social and environmental benefits across counties in both jurisdictions. Communities on either side of the border Ireland continue to collaborate in creating a place that they are proud to share with others, delivering a warm welcome and the promise of a memorable holiday."
ENDS
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