4.21 Tourism
Add blue text:
"The key focus for the Midlands / Failte Ireland region will be the further development and promotion of the local culture, heritage and eco-tourism."
Reason for amendment: Failte Ireland recognises sustainable eco-tourism as a growth market with great potential for Ireland - Kildare has a unique opportunity with rehabilitation of former industrial peatlands in West Kildare and the development of Blueways.
4.21.1 Tourism Attractions in Kildare
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"Kildare currently has a varied tourism portfolio with a position of excellence in heritage, golf, equine, peatlands based eco-tourism"
Reason for amendment: Established attractions such as the IPCC and Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park which is a key attraction in Irelands Ancient East, won a national award for environmental innovation and attract thousands of international and domestic visitors every year.
Objectives
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RE 095: "Support the expansion and development of tourism in Kildare, investigating the feasibilities of key opportunities such as those centred on......peatlands."
Reason for amendment: Existing peatland related attractions and potential for Kildare of eco-tourism to rehabilitated peatlands and a National Peatland Parks to showcase biodiversity, culture and importance as a carbon store.
4.24 Peatland Tourism
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Change National Peatlands Heritage Park to National Peatlands Park. Following second paragraph ending "National Peatlands Park".......Kildare is well positioned due to its close proximity to Dublin as a gateway county for the Peatlands to millions of international visitors annually and approx. 2.5 million residents in surrounding counties. The designation of an inter county National Peatlands Park, protection and further development of existing facilities and new activities such as the Blueway and Greenways have the potential to become a world class peatland’s / activity based experience. This could greatly assist in changing Ireland’s global eco - tourism position and stimulate further visitor experiences to complement Kildare and Ireland’s current offering.
Reason for amendment: Reflects potential of proposal and Failte Ireland core goals - "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025" and Peatland Eco-Tourism Research - final report due May 2022.
Objectives
Add new Objective:
After RE 0127
Support the West Kildare Smart Rural Alliance and access for peatland communities to the European Network for Rural Development's Smart Village initiative in conjunction with Offaly County Council, Laois County Council, Leader companies in each county and all other relevant stakeholders.
Reason for Amendment: To assist in the delivery of Just Transition and a collabortive approach to realise the potential for peatlands tourism. The inter County approach is important as it reflects shared peatland landscape, related culture and similar socio-economic challenges for the region. See attached Draft Map of West Kildare Smart Rural Alliance.
4.25 The Barrow Blueway
Add new Objective:
After RE0131
Support and facilitate the development of Rathangan as a Blueway destination town based on its natural and built heritage, proximity to the peatlands and Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park and collaborate with the National Transport Authority and Local Link to provide connectivity.
Reason for Amendment: Rathangan has the potential to benefit greatly from the Blueway given its appeal on the river Slate and Grand Canal, ancient ring fort, Georgian architecture, Quaker connection and more recent Bord na Mona history with Ballydermot Workers Camp (undeveloped at present - owned by Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park) and the surrounding Killinthomas Woods. A submission for a new bus service starting in Allenwood and connecting Lullymore, Rathangan, Monasterevin and Kildare town is currently being assessed by the National Transport Authority. This would provide access to Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park to the Blueway towns of Allenwood, Rathangan and Monasterevin.
