McNulty - Inclusion in Ireland's Ancient East would unlock huge tourism potential for area

Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has told Stormont that inclusion in Ireland’s Ancient East could unlock huge tourism potential for Counties Armagh and Down. The Newry & Armagh MLA was speaking during a debate on All-Ireland Tourism brought forward by the SDLP.

On the same day Ministers Conor Murphy and Catherine Martin also signed an agreement on the need for tourism to be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable on the island of Ireland.

Speaking in the Assembly Chamber, Mr McNulty said “Over the last number of years, I have worked alongside my local SDLP colleagues to advocate for the inclusion of County Armagh and County Down in the Ireland's Ancient East destination marketing brand.  My rationale and determination in that regard are simple: it is about harnessing the potential of the tourism product in our region. It is about putting the spotlight on all that we have to offer and turning a hidden gem into the jewel of our tourism crown. That is where my focus and that of my party lies.

“The SDLP has been working with local tourism providers, statutory agencies, the Irish Government, and other parties in building a strategy to boost cross-border tourism significantly and sustainably in south-east Ulster.  Our case has been put forward so successfully that our proposal to include Armagh and Down in Ireland's Ancient East received cross-party and cross-community buy-in at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, even from the DUP.

“I would struggle to find a better way to show that we are serious about a genuinely shared future than to promote our region under the banner of Ireland’s Ancient East. The home of Orangeism is at Dan Winter's cottage near Loughgall. Just outside Armagh City, we have Eamhain Mhacha or Navan Fort, the mesmerising ancient capital of Ireland, which the Ancient Egyptians recorded on a prehistoric map. In the Quaker village of Bessbrook, you will find Derramore House, where the Act of Union was drafted, just down the road from Slieve Gullion, described by WB Yeats as ‘Ireland’s last mystical mountain.’

“We should work together to see Fáilte Ireland market our shared history and our intertwined heritage around the world proudly and unapologetically. This initiative by the SDLP gives us an opportunity to harness the power of our heritage and demonstrate that a rising tide really can lift all boats.”