Taoiseach Micheál Martin today announced that the Government has made allocations from the Shared Island Fund of over €6 million over the next 5 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.
Making today’s announcements, 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”.
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.
Speaking of the funding announcement, CE of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns said:
“Sliabh Beagh is a special landscape with a wealth of natural and cultural assets which straddles the border. The three partner councils – Monaghan, Fermanagh Omagh and Mid-Ulster District Councils have long demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and partnership by setting up the Sliabh Beagh Partnership Committee which represents the interests of communities, businesses and local authorities. The Partnership has been working on this shared tourism project which will benefit the entire Sliabh Beagh region and I’m delighted at this funding success”.
Echoing this view and remarking on the additional boost of funding specifically for Marketing and Training, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Paul Gibbons noted that:
“With Tourism Ireland and Shared Island Fund resourcing, marketing campaigns for each shared destination, including an industry development programme, will be developed and delivered over 2025-2030, to maximise the economic impact for each region”.
Welcoming the investment, Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland said:
“This significant investment announced for County Monaghan is a positive step in further unlocking the untapped tourism potential that exists in the border region. We look forward to working with Monaghan County Council to realise these exciting plans which will sustainably strengthen the tourism offering in the Ireland’s Ancient East region, making it more attractive for visitors, and providing economic and employment benefits to the local community”.