Michael Ring TD has confirmed that additional funding in the amount of €586,000 has been approved by Údarás na Gaeltachta for “The Atlantic Story” (Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh ) in Aughleam. This tourism centre will present the story of the wild Atlantic as a cultural tourism project.
Deputy Ring stated: "I am very pleased that additional funding of €586,000 has been approved to this wonderful tourism project in Aughleam to assist with the shortfall in funding for this project. I understand that discussions are ongoing with the Department to develop and complete this project.
"When I was Minister for Rural and Community Development, I allocated €2.4 million to this major project. Údarás na Gaeltachta have approved €827,000 in total for this project and Roinn na Gaeltachta have allocated €501,000.
"This idea of this project is to develop a major tourism hub in Aughleam in the North Mayo Gaeltacht. This will attract huge numbers of domestic and international visitors. This hub will be for visitors to learn about the cultural and natural heritage attractions in the area.
"Tours of Blacksod Lighthouse were run on a trial basis during late July/August and it was hugely successful. 2,000 people availed of this tour. 3,000 people were turned away for health and safety reasons. This illustrates the huge demand for this project. Another part of the project is the provision of four craft units and four tourism incubation spaces which will significantly add to the sustainable economic and social development rural area”.
"This is a significant boost to the Eachléim community and the surrounding Gaeltacht areas and it is hoped that it will benefit them for many years to come. Gteic in Aughleam employ eight people. In Gteic Belmullet- there are 22 people working on a scheme. Five of these people are working full-time.
"There were five boats in operation all summer bringing people to Iniskea Islands and Achill. They were bringing people from Achill to Blacksod for example. They had an extremely successful summer. It is a very worthwhile project and I am truly pleased to see it receiving additional funding to try and develop this project to its full potential.
"I wish to compliment Údarás Member, Ian McAndrew, and John Gallagher, Aughleam, on all their hard work and dedication to this project."
