ABC Council join Newry, Mourne and Down in call to be included in 'Ireland's Ancient East' brand

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has backed a motion from Newry Mourne and Down District Council to seek Co Armagh and Down’s inclusion in an Irish tourism initiative.

The matter was raised by SDLP councillor Eamon McNeill who noted a letter from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Chief Executive, Marie Ward highlighting a notice of motion agreed by her council on November 7.

The motion read: “This Council writes to the Irish tourism minister requesting assurance that the counties of Armagh and Down are included in Ireland’s ancient east destination marketing brand.

“It was also agreed to write to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to ask them to engage in the process”.

Ms Ward’s letter notes her Council’s chamber was unanimous in support of the motion and agreed it recognised the synchronicity between the tourism offering of Armagh and Down and the four pillars of Ireland’s ancient east: Ancient Ireland, Anglo Ireland, Medieval Ireland and Early Christian Ireland.

Addressing the letter at Council’s monthly meeting on Monday, November 28, Cllr McNeill praised his SDLP colleagues on Newry and Mourne Down District Council for bringing forward the motion and called on Council to support it.

“Our colleagues in Newry, Mourne and Down can see the benefits of this initiative and I hope that we can do the same in ABC Council,” he said.

“I propose that we respond to Newry, Mourne and Down’s correspondence and that we support their motion.”

The Chamber then voiced its support for the Cllr McNeill proposal.