St. John’s Point Lighthouse is earmarked for tourism drive

St. John’s Point Lighthouse is earmarked for tourism drive

11 September 2013

ST. JOHN’S Point Lighthouse in Killough is to feature in a major new tourism initiative.

It is one of five lighthouses in Ireland included in a new tourism trail announced by Stormont tourism minister Arlene Foster.

The £2.2m initiative is being supported with financial assistance from the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The first phase of the project involves the Killough lighthouse, the Rathlin West Lighthouse at Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim’s Blackhead Lighthouse and two in the Republic of Ireland.

Mrs. Foster said many local lighthouses are historic and beautiful buildings that play an important role in coastal navigation. The Minister suggested not only do they stand tall as reminders of our proud maritime history, but also offer significant tourism potential.

“Across the three lighthouses, this project will see the installation of visitor centres and eight luxury self-catering accommodation units within currently disused light keeper cottages,” she revealed.

The new tourism initiative has also been welcomed by the chief executive of the Commissioners for Irish Lights (CIL).

Yvonne Shields said lighthouses by their very nature are connecting points between land and sea and continue to play a very important role in the provision of maritime safety services.

“This project has huge potential because in addition to maritime safety services it allows CIL to capitalise on the spectacular locations of our lighthouses, harness their huge heritage value and work with local communities in an exciting and innovative way to deliver economic and tourism benefits north and south,” she added.

SEUPB chief executive, Mr. Pat Colgan, said the lighthouse tourism initiative has the potential to create long-term economic and employment opportunities for local communities, on a cross-border basis.

“The initiative represents a niche form of rural tourism that will help broaden out the tourism season of the entire region,” he said.

“In helping to preserve an important part of our cultural heritage, the project will also create a lasting legacy that will attract both domestic and overseas visitors for many years to come.”