TLDR: Shared Island funding has earmarked €820,000 for enhancing tourism around Carlingford Lough, aimed at developing a ‘Loop of the Lough’ experience. This initiative is critical for restoring the suspended Carlingford Lough Ferry Service, which has caused concern among local businesses. The feasibility study promises to explore sustainable tourism opportunities, potentially paving the way for the ferry’s return.
The latest funding announcement from the Shared Island unit highlights a commitment to bolster tourism development around the beautiful Carlingford Lough with a significant allocation of €820,000. The funds are set to fuel the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative and focus on conducting a feasibility study for a ‘Loop of the Lough’ tourism concept. This initiative aims to link key attractions on both sides of the Lough, complementing previous investments, such as the eagerly anticipated Narrow Water Bridge.
Local Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed the funding, recognizing it as a potential pathway to reviving the Carlingford Lough Ferry Service, which is now facing a suspension that could last until 2026. The ferry, linking Greenore in County Louth to Greencastle in County Down, has been a valued transport option since its launch in 2017, operated by the Frazer Ferry Group. The recent suspension of the service is a significant blow to both the tourism and business sectors in the Cooley Peninsula and South Down region.
Highlighting her optimism, McGreehan pointed out that the feasibility study could signal a willingness from the Department and local authorities to explore viable solutions for the ferry service’s future. She states, “The ferry service was a hugely valuable local amenity and transport link. However, it struggled to achieve the level of commercial viability required to sustain year-round operations without additional support.”
The vision of the Loop of the Lough offers exciting prospects for a more robust tourism landscape. The combined strengths of the ferry service and the Narrow Water Bridge could create a more compelling reason for visitors to flock to the area, theoretically assisting the ferry in achieving the passenger numbers necessary for sustainable operation. As McGreehan commented, “The feasibility study will determine whether that potential can be realised.”
One might wonder if this sudden influx of funding and attention is a bit of a last-minute scramble. After all, why did we wait until the ferry service was on the verge of permanent suspension before actively exploring ways to boost tourism? It’s almost as if someone realised we needed a lifebuoy for our local tourism. Surely, the government could have started the ball rolling earlier. But hey, better late than never, right?
In a broader context, the announcement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee is part of a wider investment strategy involving a hefty €377 million for various new projects slated to run from 2027 to 2030. Apart from the Loop of the Lough, this plan encompasses notable investments such as enhancing the Derry-Belfast-Dublin rail connection and improving water quality in Lough Neagh.
In a fun twist, did you know that Carlingford Lough is home to the world’s largest collection of native oysters? This ancient landscape not only offers scenic beauty but also a rich bounty for any seafood lover. Let’s hope that as the Loop of the Lough takes shape, more visitors will discover the treasures that this picturesque region has to offer.
For more details, you can find the original announcement covered on RTÉ News.
