More criticism of tourism strategy

More criticism of tourism strategy

5 April 2017

CONCERNS that the St Patrick story has not been given the prominence it deserves in the district’s new tourism blueprint has been raised with the head of an influential Newry, Mourne and Down Council Committee.

The Downpatrick Electoral Area Forum is concerned the local authority’s five-year tourism strategy “undervalues” the importance of the patron saint, his story and the associated heritage tourism that is of huge significance to the council’s continuing development of tourism in the area.

District Electoral Forums have been set up across the district to ensure the views of local communities are recognised and catered for. The members of the one covering the Downpatrick area have raised concerns about the tourism strategy with councillor Robert Burgess, chairman of the local authority’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

It is the second time within a matter of weeks that the Downpatrick DEA has expressed concern about the tourism blueprint which it argues focuses too much on the Mournes and Slieve Gullion at the expense of Lecale and Downpatrick and, significantly, the legacy of St Patrick. Last February, the DEA raised its concerns with council chief executive Liam Hannaway.

South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, has been scathing in her criticism of the strategy, labelling it as “superficial.”

In the letter to councillor Burgess — written on behalf of the Downpatrick DEA by its co-ordinator David Patterson — the council department and staff are commended for the “positive and effective” promotional launch of the new tourism strategy last month.

However, Mr Patterson said DEA members remain concerned that the new strategy has “undervalued” the importance of St Patrick, his story and associated heritage tourism.

The letter continues: “Downpatrick and the Lecale area are the heartland of St Patrick in the council area and it should be no surprise that members from across the community, voluntary and business sectors, along with elected members, are aware of the importance of the St Patrick story, brand and heritage to business and community life in the area.

“The effective diminution of the St Patrick brand in the new tourism strategy will, in the view of the DEA Forum members, impact most heavily on Downpatrick and Lecale. In concert with a lack of focus on the Lecale coast, where local communities are eager to take forward ambitious, sustainable tourism opportunities, members are in agreement with MP Margaret Ritchie’s expressed concern over the lack of focus on St Patrick, Downpatrick and the Lecale area.”

The letter states that despite Newry, Mourne and Down Council passing a motion to maintain a focus on St Patrick, “it appears to DEA Forum members that this is not the case.”

The letter concludes with Forum members asking the Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration Committee to consider how the special place of St Patrick can be maintained in Downpatrick and Lecale, not merely for immediate local benefit, “but fully promoted in a more inclusive strategy for the wider benefit of the council, its people and visitors.”

Councillor Burgess confirmed yesterday morning that when he receives the letter he will study it closely and discuss its detail with senior council officials before responding to the Downpatrick DEA Forum.