SDLP Councillor Connaire Mc Greevy has described Wi-Fi facilities in Kilbroney Park as a much needed boost for tourism and the expansion of the network into Newry city centre will “Help strengthen the economic fabric of the city.” The Crotlieve councillor said: “The extra showcasing of Kilbroney Park alone represents a major boost for the likes of caravan users and for the growing numbers of mountain bikers using the park tracks. We are living in a competitive age where every opportunity has to be taken to sell our area both as a place to visit and do business on a regular basis. What the addition of the most up to date WI-Fi facilities brings is part of a rolling re-branding of what we as a community have to offer on all technological fronts.” However Mr McGreevy warned that Newry and Mourne District Council must continue to adapt in order to maximise revenue streams for the benefit of local people. We should for example be looking at ways in which we can develop an App for iPhones and Android devices aimed at selling our area’s attractions,” he said. “From a tourism and visitor experience perspective that type of download could be used to carry details of various local attractions as well as what is available from our restaurants, hotels and cafes and to our festivals. As Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee I know how first hand how keen the business sector is to buy into methods of selling the best possible image of Newry and Mourne. I will be raising the issue with Council officials as to the various ways in which as a Local Government authority we can with the active support and advice of the various Chambers of Commerce and Trade in the area come up with a workable blueprint. The fact that Warrenpoint and Kilkeel are currently being technically assessed for conclusion in the Wi-Fi framework underlines the huge potential for positive progress that exists in being able to sell ourselves to the widest possible audience.
Newry Democrat
10th September 2013
“