New Hook Tourism board outline area’s plan to attract new visitors
MORE than 50 people attended the Hook Tourism AGM in Duncannon, where a new board was appointed to drive the area forward in 2020.
A fantastic new map of the Hook area stretching as far as New Ross and Wellingtonbridge was unveiled at the meeting, which was held at the Fort Conan Hotel.
District director Eamonn Hore spoke about positive developments within the district, including the South East Greenway and the Rosslare to Waterford greenway, which he said will have a particular benefit for the Hook area, as it would pass through Ballycullane and Wellingtonbridge, bringing visitors closer to Fethard and Duncannon.
Mr Hore updated attendees about the council’s progress on developing the Norman Way. As little work has been done on developing the brand on the peninsula, Mr Hore highlighted that the area is now in phase two, adding that 80 per cent of the Hook area will be completed in the coming months. Attractive totem information panels will be erected at sites of historic importance.
He also spoke about capital grant funding to develop Hook Lighthouse.
New Ross District Manager Mick McCormack introduced himself to the committee and everyone.
Several sub committees were announced at the AGM.
Previously Duncannon man Philip Wallace was chairman of Hook Tourism. After he stood down after a lengthy tenure, Mark Hewlett of Kilmokea House & Gardens took over on an interim basis, and was named new chairman at the AGM.
Graham Doyle was named Fethard-on-Sea committee chairman and is also responsible for social media, with Philip Wallace taking on the role of Duncannon chairman. Aidan Quigley is the marketing chairman, with David Neville taking on responsibility for events leader.
Everyone heard about the new illustrated map for the area, funded through FLAG, while it was agreed that social media promotion will be outsourced.
Mary B O’Leary spoke of the success of the Local Link summer service to the Hook area, with the New Ross to Tintern route proving extremely popular.