Ballinasloe is entitled to tourism push as part of Hidden Heartlands
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QUESTIONS have been raised over Ballinasloe’s omission from a major national tourism brochure for the Hidden Heartlands.
At a recent meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal District, Cllr Dr Evelyn Parsons (Ind) asked why the region had been left out after a member of the public brought the issue to her attention.
She said it was important that Ballinasloe was properly recognised as part of the Hidden Heartlands offering, noting that the town does not appear to be referenced in the Fáilte Ireland publication promoting tourism across the Midlands.
As a result, she has called for the Galway County Council Tourism Officer to attend a future meeting of the local Municipal District to discuss the omission.
She said it was “timely” and an opportunity to provide an update on tourism and recreation projects in the area and to establish what progress is being made locally.
Safe streets, good amenities and well-planned recreational spaces are part of what makes a town welcoming.
“If we are serious about developing attractions under Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, we need to have the vision to deliver fit-for-purpose, accessible infrastructure,” she said.
“Safe streets, good amenities and well-planned recreational spaces are part of what makes a town welcoming.”
Meanwhile, a new local initiative aimed at promoting the town’s heritage is set to launch this week.
The Ballinasloe Wonder Wander Trail will launch at Ballinasloe Library, in the Church Gallery Space, this Friday, April 17 at 11:30am, with Cllr Peter Keaveney (FG) scheduled to perform the official opening.
The trail is a community-led project developed in partnership with the National Built Heritage Service and centres on the town’s Architectural Conservation Area.
The initiative will provide an added tourism offering for Ballinasloe, as discussions continue around the town’s inclusion in wider regional promotion.
The trail is self-guided with maps highlighting points of interest.
It is expected to take in key landmarks such as St Michael’s Church, St John’s Church and the courthouse, alongside the town’s traditional shopfronts and terraces.
It also draws attention to smaller features often overlooked around town and the general district, including street furniture, sculpture and water pumps.
Detailed maps, outlining the attractions, will be available to visitors and local communities online and in print format in their local area.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.