A new tourism development association could be formed in Newry and Mourne to develop the industry and address issues in the district. In recent months the Reproter has highlighted a broad range of failings in the local tourism sector ranging from questionable promotional expenditure, the failure to list major local events on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board website, the near permanent closure of some of the district’s most iconic attractions as well as the closure of key facilities including tourist offices, public toilets and leisure centres on bank holidays. However it is hoped that the establishment of a suitable forum would bring together council officers, councillors and local tourism providers could go along way to addressing these issues whilst developing the district’s overall tourism offer. The matter was raised by Crotlieve councillor Declan McAteer (SDLP) at March 7 economic development committee meeting. Councillor McAteer said at the meeting that not enough attention was being directed at tourism in the district and that the council should consider reinstating a tourism development attraction – which Newry Town councillor Jackie Patterson (IND) said had existed in the past. The matter will now be further discussed at a future council meeting. Meanwhile a the March 7 meeting councillor McAteer requested that the council seeks clarification from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) on its plans for opening Narrow Water Keep over the summer season. Indeed at last Tuesday’s district development meeting (March 20) Cllr McAteer said that he believed the Keep which is controlled by NIEA should be opened over Easter.
Newry Reporter
28th March 2012
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