Some €2.6 million worth of new investment in two key tourism projects was announced today by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar in Waterford and Co. Offaly.
Minister Varadkar confirmed that the capital funding will be used to further develop the Viking Triangle project in Waterford, and the Lough Boora Parklands in Offaly.
Almost €1.9 million is being provided in Waterford under Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Capital Investment Programme to enhance the Viking Triangle area. The funding will be used to improve signage including new interpretative material and directional signs. Extensive paving and seating areas will also be provided. The aim is to provide a direct link between the outdoor environment and the interiors of the individual tourist attractions.
“This project demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to tourism in the South East. The Viking Triangle will be a landmark tourist attraction which will create jobs, stimulate the local economy and boost the tourism industry in the region. This funding will ensure that the visitor attractions are presented in the best possible manner,” Minister Varadkar said.
In Co. Offaly the investment of €730,000 at Lough Boora will involve an upgrade of the Lough Boora Parklands infrastructure. A new visitor service centre will be provided along with parking areas, and access facilities will be improved. The upgrades will help to ensure the continued viability of tourism in the area.
“Louth Boora is already a fantastic facility in its own right, and is a key tourism attraction in the Midlands region. It’s important that we sustain investment in tourism right across the country. Tourism is central to the Government’s plans for economic recovery and job creation, and the industry sustains 180,000 jobs across the country.
“The Tourism Capital Investment Programme from Fáilte Ireland delivers employment at all stages, from construction at the start, to guiding tourists when projects are up and running.” Ends.
Issued by
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Tel: 01 6041039. Mob: 087 4113278
Note for Editors
Waterford Viking Triangle
The Viking Triangle project is the collective name for a number of individual projects aimed at delivering new attractions and an improved environment for visitors to the Viking quarter of Waterford, as well as developing the Viking Triangle as a key tourist destination for the South East and for Ireland. Funding of nearly €9 million was approved for the Viking Triangle Project in 2010 and it is expected to be delivered ahead of the 2013 tourism season.
Lough Boora Parklands
Lough Boora Parklands is located at the centre of Ireland between Tullamore, Birr and Clonmacnoise. The Boora Bog is one of the oldest areas of commercial peat production and as a result was the first area in which large tracts of cutaway emerged. Today the greater Lough Boora area is rich in nature and biodiversity and covers over 5,000 hectares. Over the past decade Bord Na Móna, in conjunction with local community groups and stakeholders including Offaly County Council and the Arts Council, has developed and managed Lough Boora Parklands. A number of facilities and attractions have been developed over the years which allow visitors to interact with and enjoy the parklands.