Redmond O’Donoghue: “This funding will allow us to develop a cultural island of museums and attractions in the heart of Waterford which will prove a magnet for those who wish to learn more about our country.”
The Government’s €8.94million investment into Waterford’s Viking Quarter/Triangle, as reported exclusively by The Munster Express last week, has the potential to transform the city, according to the Chairman of Fáilte Ireland.
Redmond O’Donoghue said the development of the historic heart of the city could place Waterford “centrally on every visitor’s map”.
“With this capital money, we can develop a cultural island of museums and attractions at which will prove a magnet for those who wish to experience and learn more about our country,” he said.
“In these challenging times, it is incumbent on us all to innovate our way through recession and towards recovery. This project is a perfect example of taking what we have and applying the right mix of resources and imagination.”
Mary Hanafin, who has succeeded Martin Cullen in the re-branded Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said the funding illustrates the Government’s commitment to drive tourism in the city and region.
“I know the tourism industry continues to battle a very difficult international economic climate as demonstrated through the latest statistics regarding overseas visits,” she said.
“The Government, in partnership with the industry, is meeting this challenge and has already clearly signalled its intent to invest for the future of Irish tourism through the trebling of tourism capital funding in 2010.”
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.
