A Galway East TD is calling for the tourism minister to ensure the progression of Ireland’s Lakelands programme, which aims to increase the number of tourists visiting the hinterland surrounding the River Shannon.
Fianna Fail’s Anne Rabbitte believes the investment would provide a much needed boost to eastern Galway, highlighting that the plan was mentioned in Programme for Partnership issued by the Government.
“The Ireland’s Lakelands plan has the potential to live up to the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, if it gets the necessary backing and support from the Government,” said Rabbitte.
“Tourism has always been an important economic driver in the west of Ireland, but we need to see it expanded to other areas.
“This blueprint would see the River Shannon used as the focal point and would develop tourism attractions across Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, East Galway, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare, and Limerick, as well as encompassing all the river’s tributaries and the canal network across the Midlands.”
Deputy Rabbitte was worried about the lack of progression on the initiative since its inclusion in the report last May.
“I have written to Minister Shane Ross to establish what progress has been made on the project over the past three months, and to emphasise the importance of this initiative to all towns and villages which are set to benefit from the plan,” added Rabbitte.
“We cannot afford to let Ireland’s Lakelands languish and become another broken promise.”
