A meeting on the future of Grianan of Aileach as ‘hugely positive’.
The meeting, which resulted from a motion moved by Cllr Murray brought together representatives of the OPW, Bord Failte, Donegal County Council staff and Councillors, local community leaders, business owners and nearby residents to discuss the promotion and conservation of Grianan of Aileach as well as the need to improve facilities at the sight.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Murray said this was the first meeting of its kind that he was aware of and something which he has been pushing for, for over a year.
He said “It was a great opportunity to get those with an interest or responsibility for Grianan together to discuss what can be done.
“In my view, An Grianan is not only a much loved local monument and source of pride in the local community but it is also a Godsend in terms of tourism for Inishowen and Donegal as a whole.
“There are already over 100,000 annual visitors to the site and that is without reaching its full potential. I strongly believe that we need to invest in An Grianan. We need to install proper information and educational signage there, we need to improve access roads. We also need toilet facilities at the bottom of the access road and we need to address opening times.
“I also welcomed the input from so many local stakeholders as it is important that any work in the time ahead is done with the support of the local community. Everyone must feel ownership of the project and we need to act in a considered way which won’t negatively impact in anyway on the unspoiled beauty of the location.
“Following on from the meeting, the OPW representatives agreed to carry out a Conservation Management Plan. This will guide subsequent plans into the future, while we will also look at different funding sources which may be used to carry out necessary works.
“Donegal County Council, OPW and Bord Failte will then work together to move the project forward and I will endeavour to keep the community informed and updated on all discussions.”
