Failte Ireland launch plan to boost sustainable tourism in Leitrim

Failte Ireland has launched a plan to develop sustainable tourism in key areas, like Leitrim, over the next five years.

The Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) announced yesterday, aims to create and develop sustainable tourism across Cavan, Leitrim and the northern part of Roscommon.

The plan aims to increase awareness of destinations, and the length of stay in the area, expanding the range of activities available while increasing the range and quality of visitors.

The statement from Fáilte Ireland does not highlight how much money has been allocated to the plan.

The plan was developed along with stakeholders in each county where it will be implemented, including Cavan County Council, Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Waterways Ireland, the three County Local Development Companies, local tourism businesses, and local communities.

“The Upper Shannon, Shannon Erne and Border Region is very rich in nature with an abundance of lakes, rivers and a unique landscape making it essential that the tourism development of this area is done keeping the natural resources of nature and environment at the heart of every action as set out in the plan,” Eileen Gibbons of Electric Bike trails and Co-Chair DEDP.

The plan includes positioning the Beara Breifne Way as an internationally recognised way-marked walking trail and making use of key destination assets such as the River Shannon and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark.

It will build on a number of existing destination development projects that are bringing local experiences to life, including the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, and ongoing work at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.

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