TD urges investment to boost Donegal tourism potential

Deputy Charles Ward has called on the Government to increase investment in Donegal, arguing the county could rival established tourism hotspots such as Kerry.

Speaking about the Government’s newly published “Our Rural Future” policy, the 100% Redress Party TD said the North West is “years behind” the rest of the country in tourism investment. He highlighted growing capacity pressures in destinations like Killarney as an opportunity to attract more visitors to Donegal sites such as Malin Head and the Finn Valley.

Ward secured a commitment from Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, who oversees the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, to visit the county and see its untapped potential firsthand. The deputy emphasised the importance of the Malin Head Visitors Management Plan and urged that adequate funding be provided to Donegal County Council.

“Donegal can thrive just like Kerry but we need investment,” Ward said, urging the minister to also visit Inishowen and the islands within the next year. Minister Buttimer responded that he would “take up the invitation by Deputy Ward to go to Donegal.”

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Steven Hylands / Pexels.