Dundrum Walking Route Receives Tourist Investment
18 January 2012 |
Posted by Jim Masson |
DUNDRUM has received a tourist boost last night night (17 January) when District Council's Culture and Economic Development Committee gave the approval for the development and upgrade of a walking network in the local area, including an extension to the play area at Dundrum Inner Bay.
The tourism plan represents significant financial investment of £344,500 will be 97% grant funded by the NITB Signature Project support and DARD Rural Development Programme with Down District Council providing a 3% match funding provision.
The tourism initiative will link the four recently upgraded and improved Down District Council amenities in Dundrum at Main Street, Green Banks, Twelve Arches and Dundrum Inner Bay.
Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke who sits on the Culture and Economic Development Committee has welcomed the tourism investment to the Dundrum area.
Cllr Patrick Clarke.
Councillor Clarke said: "The approval to link all the recently upgraded Down District Council amenities in Dundrum as part of a walking trail stretching from Dundrum Inner Bay to Ardilea Bridge will see a significant upgrade to the walking network.
"The walking routes will also be substantially upgraded and improved along part of the former Dundrum Railway path, as well as Keel Point, McMinns Lane, and Dundrum Castle.
"The development of a walking network will include new directional signage waymarking the key sites and attractions in the village of Dundrum as well as an extension to the play area at Dundrum Inner Bay which will now include an infant play area.
"This represents a significant financial investment by the NITB and DARD to the tune of 97% in upgrading the walking trail network in Dundrum which is a popular tourism attraction for walkers throughout the year.
"Phase 2 will compliment the recent investment of £450,000 already on the Down District Council amenities along Main Street, Green Banks, Twelve Arches and Dundrum Inner Bay, which was 99% funded by NITB and DARD."
"The recently upgraded and improved facilities under Phase 1 seen a dramatic increase between June and August 2011 with over 42,000 vehicles recorded using the Dundrum facilities."
"This latest tourism investment in Dundrum by NITB, DARD and Down District Council represents a major commitment by all funding partners."
