05/12/2014

€990k Funding For Connemara Touring Route

Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe TD has announced €990,000 in funding for the development of a visitor experience at Derrygimlagh, Connemara, County Galway.

The money, allocated from Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way capital programme, will upgrade the site, which was the setting for two major technological advances: the Marconi Wireless Station, the world’s first commercial transatlantic wireless station in 1907; and twelve years later (in 1919) when Alcock and Brown landed on the site marking the first nonstop, trans-Atlantic flight.

Minister Donohoe said: "History was made not once but twice at this rugged outpost overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, yet, today, you would hardly know it. This investment will allow us to bring that history to life and turn what is currently a curiosity into a 'must-visit' destination along Ireland’s newest attraction, the Wild Atlantic Way.

"Our new touring route is already proving popular at home and overseas but, if it is to deliver the increased visitors and revenue we want, we need to bring the local stories alive. Today’s funding marks another chapter in that work."

The proposed improvements to the Derrygimlagh Discovery Point include a new car and coach park facility. Other developments will include a picnic area and a looped walk on existing bog road with six key stops.

Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan emphasised: "This project will put in place another significant piece of the our Wild Atlantic Way jigsaw. The story here in Derrygimlagh, if brought alive, has the potential to act as a strong magnet for visitors to come to Connemara and even extend the length of the tourism season in this area."

(IT/CD)

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