More initiatives needed to promote Sligo and attract more Wild Atlantic Way visitors
JOINED up thinking between the Government and State Agencies in promoting Sligo as a tourist destination is key to our survival.
That’s the view of Riverstown restaurateur Paul Monaghan.
He and his wife Mary Sweeney have recently celebrated their first year in business at FEED café in Riverstown Folk Park.
“The Sligo Food Trail, of which we’re a member, is a fantastic initiative and we need more of that kind of joined up thinking to attracting more visitors here,” he told this newspaper.
“We need the infrastructure to get people here faster and quicker and keep them here. There’s a lot of talk, there needs to be more action,” he said.
FEED café is a family- run affair, with the couple’s three young adult children helping out at weekends in between college and school.
“There isn’t any better place than Sligo to visit - the poetry, the culture, the landscape and now a more vibrant food culture, particularly daytime casual dining.
“It’s fantastic - all these people are inspiring each other to push the boat out but out of all the visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way but out of all the visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way, why does Sligo have the lowest number of visitors out of a pot of eight million?” he asked.
Both Mary and Paul have been involved in the community since they moved out there from Sligo town in 2006 and see a lot of positives for the area.
Now as business owners themselves, they’re hoping to sponsor local sports clubs and a trophy in the St Patrick’s Day parade.
“We are trying to help in a practical way. I hope what we’re trying to do is shine a light on what a lovely community Riverstown is,” said Paul.
“What representation do we have now at ministerial level? I’d like to see policies helping local businesses - they should be seen as a resource and not as a burden by Central Government.”