Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland align tourism priorities with new strategic partnership
Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland have today (February 14th 2022) formed a strategic partnership after signing a Memorandum of Understanding detailing their commitment to making the Gaeltacht experience appealing, accessible and relevant to visitors. Through this formal agreement, the organisations will work together across a number of priority areas for tourism development including capital projects, building capacity within the tourism industry and supporting the development of tourism products to showcase the unique cultural offering of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.
Welcoming the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, said:
“Both Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta are leaders in pursuing national policy objectives in relation to regional development, with a specific focus on optimising opportunities to leverage the development of tourism and the Irish language and culture. Our Gaeltacht regions offer visitors a unique cultural experience rich in music, language, art and dance – this Memorandum of Understanding sets out a framework for the two organisations to deliver on common objectives and will be significant for the development of tourism in the Gaeltacht regions. ”
Today’s announcement was also welcomed by Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport Jack Chambers TD:
“The Memorandum of Understanding between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland brings together two of the biggest proponents of tourism in the Gaeltacht and will certainly help to revitalise and reinvigorate the industry following a turbulent two years. Our Gaeltacht areas have some of the most stunning views and welcoming communities in the country, and this memorandum will help strengthen and develop this further over the coming years.”
Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:
“Today is about looking to the future of tourism in our Gaeltacht regions. This formal Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen the existing relationship that has been built up between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland over recent years and will be hugely important as we work towards recovery. We look forward to continuing to work together to align our strategic priorities to enhance the visitor experience and increase dwell time in these regions, supporting revenue generation and job creation in local communities.”
Speaking about the new partnership between the organisation and Fáilte Ireland, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Anna Ní Ghallachair, commented:
“On behalf of the Board, I welcome this new partnership between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland as we both look to promote tourism in the Gaeltacht on the Wild Atlantic Way. This new agreement will strengthen the communities which live in these picturesque areas and help the industry as it recovers from the pandemic. The Board is committed to making resources available to support this very important industry in the Gaeltacht.”
Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:
“Údarás na Gaeltachta is delighted to establish this Memorandum of Understanding with Fáilte Ireland to establish a Strategic Partnership and we look forward to ensuring a mutually beneficial working arrangement for many years ahead. This is a very important partnership and will allow both organisations to enhance our cooperation and achieve common aims and objectives in terms of tourism development in the Gaeltacht. The strategic development of tourism in the Gaeltacht is one the key priorities outlined in our 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan and following the COVID-19 emergency it is most welcome that both organisations will be strategically aligned in assisting the Gaeltacht tourism industry in its recovery and to contributing towards Ireland’s overall tourism product.”