A strategic new plan has been published to develop the visitor experience and increase tourism in the Lough Derg area over the next four years.
The 64-page report highlights existing infrastructure in communities along the lough and also areas of improvement to be targeted which include accommodation and outdoor amenities.
A key part of the plan focuses on Lough Derg being a ‘slow travel interchange’ – a place where visitors can move from land to water, from foot to bike, and boat to canoe.
The report notes that to build great slow travel visitor experiences, tourists must be able to easily move between different modes of transport.
“The Lough Derg region has a wide range of natural assets,” said Conor Carty, Senior Manager at Galway Rural Development (GRD).
“And the government’s recent publication ‘Our Rural Future’ lays down a strategy for increasing rural tourism.
“We will support fresh efforts, just as we funded the development of viewing/discovery points around Lough Derg in recent months.”
CEO of GRD Steve Dolan added that tourism needs to be rebalanced in Ireland as it will be integral to the economic recovery of rural areas and will support rural job creation.
“We welcome the interest of the three local authorities and the different state agencies in this LEADER-funded plan, and it is important that resources now follow,” Steve said.
‘Lough Derg Visitor Experience Development Plan’ is a collaboration between three local development companies, Galway Rural Development, North Tipperary Partnership, and Clare Local Development.
