Taoiseach, Minister Burke and Minister Archibald announce 13 successful projects under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
- €2.7million capital investment funding will develop and enhance visitor experiences across the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, and Northern Ireland Minister for Economy, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, have today announced the successful projects to receive capital investment funding under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme.
The Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme is part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project being delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the project which aims to support the enhancement of visitor experiences and create synergies across the iconic Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route in the North West and North Coast regions.
A total of almost €2.7 million was allocated under the Scheme to support the development and enhancement of existing visitor attractions and experiences across counties Donegal, Sligo and parts of Leitrim on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as counties Derry and Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Following a competitive application process, a total of 13 projects have been approved by Tourism Agencies for funding across the two jurisdictions. The investments will enable comprehensive upgrades at the existing attractions and experiences including advanced interpretation, enriched storytelling, and substantial improvements to visitor experience infrastructure. These developments will strengthen the appeal of the attractions and the two iconic routes, while encouraging visitors to further explore the regions, extend their stay, and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“I am very pleased to announce funding to 13 projects to enhance visitor experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route as part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand collaboration project being delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
“Cross-border cooperation and connection between businesses is a powerful driver of prosperity across both jurisdictions on the island. Through the Shared Island Initiative, we are working to enhance and enable these connections and grow the all-island economy, including through sustainable tourism.
“I wish every funded project success and look forward to visiting the enhanced experiences across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry and Antrim in the time ahead.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said:
“This announcement represents a tangible step forward in our commitment to all-island tourism collaboration through the Shared Island initiative. The successful projects under the Coast-to-Coast Investment will enhance the visitor experience at key attractions, helping to tell our shared stories in compelling ways.
“This investment reflects the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development, as set out in A New Era for Irish Tourism: National Tourism Policy Statement. By backing projects in every part of the island, we are ensuring that tourism growth delivers real benefits for local communities and helps build a more competitive, resilient and regionally balanced visitor economy for the future.”
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive, said:
“Tourism is an important economic sector for the north and one that I am committed to supporting. The opportunities that come from collaboration north and south, in developing our all-island tourism offering is central to this.
“I welcome this funding to enhance some of our existing visitor attractions and experiences in Derry and Antrim, better connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way. The funding will help attract more visitors, who will stay longer and spend more, boosting our regional economy and supporting our local communities.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
In addition to the €1.5 million allocated under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme Fáilte Ireland has committed a further €192,000 from its capital investment budget to support the eight projects in Ireland.
The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project
The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project is an all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative developed by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Tourism Ireland. The project commenced in 2023 funded through a total allocation of €7.6 million from the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund.
The project is working to enhance the visitor’s journey by bringing together the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route in the North West and North coast regions, to develop and establish international stand-out tourism products and visitor experiences along the routes, and to improve the performance and impact of tourism on the island of Ireland.
Through their collaboration the three tourism agencies aim to create synergies between the two iconic touring routes and bring additional benefits to the areas located within the hinterlands of each route by enhancing attractions that create lasting tourism impact and economic benefit.
The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project is also supporting the increased profile of North West and North Coast regions in the international marketplace and increasing visitor numbers and expenditure, whilst encouraging development that remains sensitive to the natural environment.