SIGNS ARE GOOD FOR WEXFORD
NEW SIGNAGE promoting Wexford Trails as a tourism initiative is set to spring up around the county after a total of €59,000 in grant aid was allocated under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The first of these signs has been erected just outside Bunclody and it is hoped that it will provide a boost significant boost to local tourism.
The funding will also be used on marketing initiatives and further develop the countywide network of trails. Wexford Trails consists of a series of tourism trails throughout the county: Wexford Craft Trail, Wexford Garden Trail, Wexford Heritage Trail, Wexford Walking Trail and the Norman Way.
Funding has also been approved by Wexford County Council for the appointment of a Wexford Trails Development Officer. The part time position is currently being advertised.
The Wexford Trails Steering Group (WTSG) was estab- lished to develop and promote the Wexford Trails brand while ensuring sustainability and increasing capacity in the overall network. Two representatives from each trail sit on the Steering Group with a representative from Wexford County Council, Wexford Local Development and Visit Wexford. A key objective in setting up WTSG was to create brand recognition and the recent announcements on signage, marketing, and the appointment of a Wexford Trails Development Officer will be a huge benefit in progressing identified goals.
Catherine MacPartlin, chairperson of the Wexford Trails Steering Group, said: ‘With 83 members across all trails in the network we have huge potential to further develop and, in doing so, improve the visitor experience and contribution to the local economy.
‘The success of our grant application, and the appointment of a development officer, is testament to the successful collaboration of tourism stakeholders across the county.’
The Wexford Trails group outside Bunclody. From left: Emma Hewlett, Mairead Cairbre, Catherine McPartlin, Mairead Stafford, Tom Bermingham, Alan Ryan, Mary Donohoe, Siobhán O’Neill and Maura Bell.