Mullan calls for Wild Atlantic Way to come North
The highly successful Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail needs to cross the border and integrate with the Causeway coast, SDLP East Derry Assembly election candidate Gerry Mullan has said.
He said tourism was the pathway to job creation, prosperity and new long-term sustainable investment on the northern side of the border.
Speaking to election workers in Coleraine he said: “The SDLP is concerned that investment in protecting our coastline and waterways is not in place and no clearly defined body is in control of the future of these wonderful amenities which need to be exploited in a controlled and balanced way for the development of tourism and recreation.”
He said Magilligan Point was a “case in hand” where there was evidence of serious erosion which needed to be addressed now and not left to a “time in the future when it is too late.”
He added: “The highly successful tourist branding ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’ has won the imagination of tourists from all over the world and we need to be part of that.
“International tourists don’t recognise borders.
“There is potential to create thousands of jobs while saving our coastlines for future generations but that requires new responsibilities for our local councils and clear direction and resources from the Assembly but we need a marketing strategy and the best medium for that is the extension of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way.’
“Our wonderful coastline from Lough Foyle to Larne attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year generating millions of pounds in revenue. It is the jewel in the crown and needs to be protected environmentally from the ravages of the sea and the wear and tear of people.
“If elected to the Assembly I will continue the work of the SDLP to raise the profile not just of the coastal areas but the River Bann which must be linked through the Ulster Canal to the River Shannon making the waterways of Ireland an international attraction for tourists in the future.”
Photo shows Mr Mullan (third from right) in the car park of the Point Inn at Magilligan which he claims will be lost to sea erosion if remedial action is not taken. Included, from left, are Cllr Maura Hickey, Cllr Stephanie Quigley, John Dallat MLA, Dr Sean Farren, Cllr Gerry Cllr Roisin Loftus and Cllr Orla Beattie.