Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Key meeting on promoting Grianán of Aileach in September

Published: 26 July, 2010

Key meeting on promoting Grianán of Aileach in September

Donegal County Councillor Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has welcomed news that a key meeting between Donegal County Council with the Office of Public Works (OPW), local and regional tourism bodies, and Derry City Council to agree on a strategy for promoting Grianán of Aileach will take place in September.

Cllr Mac Lochlainn has been campaigning for the upgrading of facilities for visitors on site at the fort and for a joint up marketing strategy to attract more tourists.

He said:

"I am determined to see the potential of Grianán of Aileach fully realised. I believe that An Ghrianán is as historically important to the people of Ireland as the Hill of Tara and visually, much more impressive. However, An Ghrianán has not been given the same promotion. This approach has to end".

"While I welcome improvements to the fort over recent years and the commitment to a "self guide" leaflet for visitors from the OPW, this is only a start to what is required. It is now time for all the local stakeholders to come together with the OPW to sort this out. We need to agree on a joint up strategy to promote An Ghrianán and source the financial resources necessary to make it a visitor attraction supported by a visitor centre with guides".

"Local people estimate that up to 100,000 people a year already visit the site. Those of us responsible in Inishowen, Donegal, and the North West need to improve their visitor experience and ensure that the local region benefits to the maximum from this immense resource".

ENDS