HOPES that the district could be included in a major tourism initiative have been dealt a body blow.
Newry, Mourne and Down Council was backing calls for Down and Armagh to be included in the five-year Ireland’s Ancient East project being spearheaded by Tourism Ireland.
But the Irish government’s Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sports and `Media has torpedoed the suggestion as its reemit does not extend into Northern Ireland.
It says Fáilité Ireland develops, supports and promotes tourism at regional and county levels within the Republic in line with the relevant tourism experience brands — including Ireland’s Ancient East —which provide the overarching context for enterprise, supporting tourism product development and related marketing.
The Irish government’s decision not to extend the tourism initiative into the district from Louth was confirmed in a letter made public at Monday night’s monthly meeting of the local authority.
It says Tourism Ireland in its role in marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling tourist destination, promotes the country’s four regional experience brands as well as Northern Ireland’s experience Embrace a Giant Spirit brand, on a range of platforms, including online, overseas platforms and other publicity.
Despite the refusal, the Irish government insists that one of its strategic goals is to continue to promote increased north-south tourism co-operation, working with the NI Executive, North South Ministerial Council and the work of Tourism Ireland.
The letter also welcomes the resumption of the North South Ministerial Council, with the Irish government department committed, along with Fáilité Ireland and Tourism Ireland, to continue fostering north-south co-operation to enhance the all-island tourism offering and grow tourism across the island.
Local politicians were hopeful that Down and Armagh could have been included in the tourism initiative designed to bring living culture and
ancient heritage to life through stories that create unique visitor experiences and support vibrant communities.
South Down MP Chris Hazzard said extending Ireland’s Ancient East across the border would boost tourism and strengthen the local economy.
He said the north-east region was steeped in rich culture and heritage, as well as having the beauty of the Mournes and many stunning towns and villages.
“With the North playing a significant role in Ireland’s story from the beginning, it doesn’t make sense to stop that story at the border, with the principle of all-island cooperation in tourism part of the Good Friday Agreement,” the MP added.
The local authority said recognising the four key pillars of Ireland's Ancient East – Ancient Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Medieval Ireland and Anglo Ireland – would align with and strengthen the district’s tourism offering.
Last month, council chairman Pete Byrne said tourism was a vital part of the district economy.
He argued Down and Armagh were “very definitely” a part of Ireland’s Ancient East and it was time that was made that official so the district could reap the very clear dividend.
Councillors say the district offers an “unmatched tourism product” and that including it in within one of Tourism Ireland’s flagship international marketing brands would provide an exponential boost to the local tourism industry.
Mournes councillor Laura Devlin said tourism “exploded” on the back of the rebranded Wild Atlantic Way, with Ireland’s Ancient East a globally tested marketing brand and that bringing it north of the border would be a game changer for the area.