Signage strategy points to the right direction

THE results of an audit into a proposed new signage programme for the Lough Derg area will be unveiled at two public meetings in Portumna and Killaloe and Ballina on Monday, November 5.
The audit, which has been carried out by consultants URS Ireland on behalf of the Lough Derg Marketing Strategy Group (LDMSG), focuses on the need for and benefits of tourism signage, including orientation, interpretative and information boards.
The signage strategy meetings will be held on Monday, November 5 at Portumna Town and Community Hall from 5pm to 6.30pm and at the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe/Ballina from 8pm to 9.30pm.
North Tipperary county manager and LDMSG chairman, Joe McGrath, emphasised the importance of branding Lough Derg to avoid confusion with the other place of worship in Donegal, to help it reach its tourism potential.
Speaking to The Clare Champion recently, Mr McGrath said he is concerned about the name recognition for the lake and its surrounding attractions because it gets continuously confused with the other Lough Derg where people go on pilgrimages.
“In the public mind, if you talk to people in other parts of the country such as Dublin, they will think about the other Lough Derg. A rebranding of Lough Derg would make a difference,” he said.
Commenting on the forthcoming meetings, Mr McGrath explained they would enable members of the public and community and tourism groups throughout Galway, Clare and Tipperary to give their opinion on the draft strategy.
“The Lough Derg area, which incorporates parts of Galway, Clare and Tipperary, is regarded as one of Ireland’s most valuable tourism assets. Lough Derg is home to an extensive network of looped walks, driving routes, long-distance waymarked ways, linear walks and heritage trails. The lake is also a popular destination for anglers, boating, water sports enthusiasts and families. In light of the current economic climate therefore, it is imperative that every effort is made to enhance visitor access to the lake and awareness of all that the Lough Derg area has to offer and to promote the lake as an entry point to explore the River Shannon.”
The preparation of the Lough Derg Signage Strategy comes less than six months after the LDMSG launched a smartphone application that uses GPS technology and Google Maps to guide tourists and outdoor enthusiasts around the trails and walks.
According to Mr McGrath, the group was established to develop the Lough Derg area as a key destination for water-based activities combined with a range of other products. The group is achieving this through joint co-operation of all tourism stakeholders in the development and marketing of the area under the Lakelands-Lough Derg identity.
“It is our aim to help visitors to the area to discover all destinations within the wider Lough Derg area,” he said.
North Tipperary County Councillor Ger Darcy, cathaoirleach of the Mid-West Regional Authority, encouraged everyone in the region to attend either of the upcoming meetings and to have their say on the future approach to signage provision in the area.
Further information is available from Deirdre Black at URS Ireland at 01 293 3200/deirdre.black@urs.com.