A new Community Tourism Initiative launched recently by Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, could provide the initial stimulus to establish a stronger heritage tourism industry in the Raphoe and Convoy areas according to election candidate Bert Galbraith. 
The initiative, launched last week, is a joint partnership between Fáilte Ireland, IPB Insurance and the 34 Local Authorities (under the auspices of the County and City Managers Association) and will provide an annual fund of €1m over the next three years to support up to 700 local community-based events and festivals each year.
Galbraith told Donegal Daily, “The idea behind this initiative is to provide support in the form of small-scale funding incentives to community-based tourism events that have the capacity to carry through on the legacy of The Gathering in 2014.
“I believe it could also help build foundations for a greater tourism industry in the Raphoe and Convoy areas.
Referring to figures from Fáilte Ireland’s Culture and Heritage tourism seminar held last year, Mr Galbraith said that more than three out of five (64%) of overseas holidaymakers point to Ireland’s history and culture as a crucially important factor in their choice to come here.
“We all know that Donegal is a spectacularly beautiful county to visit, but those figures suggest that visitors want more than just scenery, they want culture and heritage as well and I think there is massive untapped potential in that regard in the Raphoe and Convoy areas.
Galbraith pointed to the historic significance of Beltany Stone Circle, St Eunan’s Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace in Raphoe and Convoy’s Woolen Mills as some of the places of historical significance in the area, suggesting that Raphoe’s designation as a Heritage town should make the area huge attraction for tourists.
He added, “We have a fantastic built heritage with these amazing historic landmarks as well as the stunning Oakfield Park all on our doorstep, but we have a significant cultural heritage too, storytelling and music and an Ulster-Scots heritage that could all help bring more visitors to the area.
The Fine Gael candidate said that, if elected, he would seek to closely work with the local communities to see if the tourism potential of the area could be more fully realised.
“Fostering and developing our cultural and built heritage for tourism purposes could provide new employment opportunities, curb migration, and foster a sense of pride in communities.
“Fáilte Ireland has invested heavily in heritage and culture related assets over the past number of years spending in excess of €110 million in the process.
Galbraith concluded, “When I look at the work of people like those in the Raphoe Playground Committee who saw their new playground opened last weekend, I am certain there are people in these communities with the foresight and determination to see them realise their true tourism potential.
“Everyone knows there are already some visitors to this area who come for the fantastic heritage we have, but I’m certain that a few small initiatives to attract more to the area under the scheme announced last week by Minister Ring, could provide the stepping stones for a much healthier and more prosperous tourism industry here.
Bert Galbraith pictured in front of the Bishop’s Palace in Raphoe, one of the locations he feels can bring heritage tourists to the area.