JAN 2005

New Tourist initiative to enhance An Grianán Aileach

Daren Lalor, Sinn Féin Councillor, has announced plans for a practical new initiative to enhance the tourism potential of An Grianán Aileach.

Cllr Lalor said, "Since early June my colleagues and I in Inishowen Sinn Fein have been working on a project to help improve An Grianán Aileach as a tourist attraction. Having been in consultation with representatives of many agencies, we are finally pleased to announce a break through. In January, as head of our project committee, I along with Kevin O'Connor, from Donegal County Council will be meeting a representative from the heritage agency Duchás to discuss the available funding in the New Year toward the upgrading of what is probably our most important and historical site here in Inishowen.

Councillor Lalor stressed that Inishowen and the North West region had the potential, with the correct funding to flourish as one of Ireland's major tourist attractions. The Committee's objective is to promote An Grianán as a major tourist attraction and to provide visitors with a focal point to make their visit more interesting and informative. To do this they would propose to construct 'Visual Aid Maps'. These would enable visitors to identify surrounding counties, townlands and other focal points. ie. Sliabh Sneacht. Loughs, Derry City, harbours, bridges. cathedrals, etc.

The 'Visual Aid Maps' would be constructed of flat metal and a stone plinth. They would have a numbered list of places of interest, which correspond to numbers positioned on the outline map of the view.

Pupils from both North and South from at least two second-level schools, would be involved in the project to research the information to be provided on the maps and also to construct the 'Visual Aid Maps'.

We are determined to enhance the tourism potential of this very important national monument while at the same time encouraging a new educational focus on An Grianán. As this initial project develops, we will keep the public informed, said Councillor Lalor.

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