The much-publicised Fanad Lighthouse and the general Fanad Peninsula have been given a boost with funding to appoint a tourism officer for the area.
A grant of €60,000 over two years for the new post is hoped to bring even more tourism benefits to the area.
Within a very short period of time, Fanad Lighthouse has become one of the main tourism emblems not only for the Donegal Gaeltacht and County Donegal but also for the Wild Atlantic Way.
Under the Tourism Management Development Scheme approved by the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in June 2017 support has been approved for Fanad Lighthouse to provide this strategic tourism initiative with the assistance to develop and market the product and tourism experience available at the Light House and on the Fánaid peninsula.
Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, TD said Fanad Lighthouse is very close to his heart and is now one of the country’s main tourist destinations.
“It is renowned worldwide and is a wonderful place to visit. These types of initiatives will encourage tourists to visit Gaeltacht areas and I welcome the support Údarás na Gaeltachta is providing for strategic tourism initiatives in all Gaeltacht areas,” he added.
Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Chief Executive Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh also commented, “We are pleased to be able to support this wonderful tourism initiative and help them build on the fantastic work carried out by Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland in developing this amenity.
“Tourism development is a central part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s strategy over the next three years and we are delighted to work in partnership with Local Authorities, Fáilte Ireland and other organisations in developing these valuable assets in all Gaeltacht areas.”