Minister McHugh announces the first successful projects under Údarás na Gaeltachta’s New Tourism Strategy

The first successful projects approved under Údarás na Gaeltachta’s new tourism strategy were announced by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Culture with responsibility for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh T.D., today (07/2/18). Under the Tourism Management Development Scheme approved by the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in June 2017 support has been granted for two tourism initiatives in the Donegal Gaeltacht and an announcement in relation to other successful initiatives will be made in the coming weeks.

Support under this scheme will be provided to Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and Ionad Cois Locha in Dún Lúiche (Dunlewy) to assist the management capabilities of these strategic tourism initiatives over a 2 year period.
An invitation was extended at the end of last year to Gaeltacht strategic tourism projects to apply to the Tourism Management Development Scheme and successful projects have the option to use this support as they wish in relation to development, marketing and executive management according to the project’s requirements and development stage. A formal training programme for managers will also be developed in conjunction with third level institutes.

Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Culture with responsibility for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands said “I want to acknowledge the role of Údarás na Gaeltachta in this strategy for the Gaeltacht and I look forward to seeing other projects.”

Údarás na Gaeltachta’s CEO Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh said “We are delighted that the first projects under this scheme have been announced and that Údarás na Gaeltachta will be providing funding for these strategic tourism initiatives. The development of tourism is central to Údarás na Gaeltachta’s strategy over the next three years and we hope to announce other successful projects in the coming weeks.”
Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair officially opened in 1961, and has been bringing theatre and local cultural events to the people of Gaoth Dobhair and to visitors until it underwent refurbishment over the past few years.
Ionad Cois Locha is a visitor’s centre at the foot of Errigal, offering visitors an insight into the history and culture of the region.