Seaside Towns Programme

This project aims to enhance the profile and significance of traditional seaside towns through support and enhancement and promotion of a sustainable tourism product. The project is a Partnership between Sligo, Donegal, Coleraine, Moyle and Larne Councils. The project has been developed over a two year planning process utilising a cooping exercise approach to define and prioritise needs. The aims of this project are to: i. Provide opportunities for local authorities with seaside towns to work together for mutual economic, social and cultural benefits. ii. To assess the current profile of seaside towns and villages. iii. To assess potential for areas of co-operation. iv. To develop list of Priority actions in association with relevant officers/bodies at a local level.

The aim of this joint cross-border local authority project was to enhance the profile and significance of traditional seaside towns through support and enhancement and promotion of a sustainable tourism product and by doing so undertake Environmental Improvement Works in eight seaside towns in the partner areas and to undertake a co-operative marketing programme to increase international and national visitors to the area. This cross-border co-operation resulted in major infrastructural works being undertaken in five council areas north and south. The Seaside Towns Initiative was led by Sligo County Council and partnered with Donegal County Council, Coleraine Borough Council, Larne Borough Council and Moyle District Council. The resorts that participated were: Enniscrone and Mullaghmore in Sligo; Donegal Town, Buncrana and Bundoran in Donegal; Portrush in Coleraine; Glenarm in Larne and finally Ballycastle in Moyle. Works in Enniscrone, for example put the finishing touches to a much loved family resort, providing soft landscaping and improved access facilities for visitors to the area. With its 5km of sandy blue flag status beach offering plenty of water based activities for the adventurous, championship golf course and Waterpoint Aqua facilities for family entertainment. A 19th century stone built harbour is the focal point of Mullaghmore and funding here was used to further enhance the spectacular views of this resort with its wild sweeping ocean and golden sandy beach. Whilst in Portrush, beautiful Antrim Gardens were refurbished to make the grounds more accessible. A special enclosed walled garden has been constructed and the central walkway through the gardens leads to a magnificent piece of public art by local artist, Eleanor Wheeler and a small events space has been incorporated into the park, suitable for a summer band and children’s entertainment. Ms Maura Hegarty, Project Officer, Sligo County Council praised her fellow partners in Donegal, Moyle, Larne and Coleraine for their commitment and support throughout the life of the project. She added that the new website www.discoverseasidetowns.ie would greatly support the enhancement works and this together with an intensive advertising campaign would raise awareness and boost the profile of the seaside town resort.