€6M Funding Announced for Sustainable Tourism Developments on Sliabh Beagh

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announcement that the Irish Government has made allocations from the Shared Island Fund of over €6 million over the next 5 years to develop Sliabh Beagh as an eco-tourism destination. The project was included in a package of interventions totalling €23 million into shared tourism destinations.

Making the announcements, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said:

“The Government, through the Shared Island initiative, is moving forward with the task of building a lasting reconciliation for all communities on the island of Ireland.

“With the iconic Narrow Water Bridge under construction, we are now supporting Tourism Agencies and Local Authorities to collaboratively develop the tourism opportunities this will bring for Carlingford Lough and the surrounding region.

“We are also investing in new amenities and promotion of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and the Sliabh Beagh region, so that more people from home and abroad will visit and enjoy these spectacular destinations that straddle the border, and where local cooperation is at the heart of these sustainable tourism projects.

The funding for Sliabh Beagh will enable the development of extensive connected walking, cycling and equestrian cross-border trails around the mountain, with the inclusion of trailheads, public art and gateways. Trail development will also include interpretation, wayfinding and other facility developments. The projects funded will increase the overall attractiveness of the Sliabh Beagh area which will assist in attracting new visitors and increase length of stay and total spend.

Speaking of the funding announcement, Councillor John McClaughry said:

“Sliabh Beagh is a special landscape with a wealth of natural and cultural assets, straddling the border. The three partner councils – Monaghan, Fermanagh Omagh, and Mid-Ulster District Councils – have long demonstrated a commitment to collaboration by establishing the Sliabh Beagh Partnership Committee, which represents the interests of communities, businesses, and local authorities. Through this shared tourism project, we aim to benefit the entire Sliabh Beagh region, and I am delighted at the success of securing funding for this important initiative.”

Chair of the Sliabh Beagh Partnership, Councillor Sheamus Greene, added:

“We are thrilled to learn of the announcement that the Sliabh Beagh region has been awarded €6 million in funding by the Shared Island Unit. These projects will undoubtedly increase the overall attractiveness of the Sliabh Beagh area, attracting new visitors, encouraging longer stays, and boosting total spend. This funding marks a transformative step forward for our region, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our community and local economy.”

Welcoming the investment, Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland said:

“This significant investment announced for County Monaghan is a positive step in further unlocking the untapped tourism potential that exists in the border region. We look forward to working with Monaghan County Council to realise these exciting plans which will sustainably strengthen the tourism offering in the Ireland’s Ancient East region, making it more attractive for visitors, and providing economic and employment benefits to the local community”.