Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Romania

The Role of LEADER in Developing Rural Tourism

Projects

Jack Roche IRD Duhallow, Ireland

President ELARD1st February 2007

IRD Duhallow Ltd.• Company Limited by Guarantee not having share

capital• Founded 1989 by local businessmen• Initial Aim to generate jobs through Tourism• Located between two Counties in South West of

Ireland• Area 1,800 sq. km; Population 30,000• Mainly rural with 4 towns – all under 2,000 people • Main Problems:- Depopulation – out-migration,

Reliance on Agriculture, Lack of jobs locally, Lack of jobs for women, Those who are long term unemployed usually have other issues – alcohol dependency and/or mental ill health.

Since it’s inception IRD Duhallow has…

• Created 790 jobs • Sustained Enterprises Providing over 1,100 jobs • Levered over €36.3m in resources into Duhallow• Provided over 3,500 Training Places• Placed over 500 into employment• Facilitated the creation of over 500 childcare places• Supported 96 Community & Voluntary Groups• Enabled Networking & Co-operation• Funded over 600 projects by Communities• Implemented 26 National & EC programmes through

a single community based rural development group

…………………• Assisted 23 Publications• Convened 40 Seminars and Conferences• Developed 25 new amenities and visitor attractions• Assisted & Funded 15 new accommodation units• Empowered over 4,000 young people to get involved

in development projects • Initiated support projects in 18 schools• Carried over 22,000 passengers through Rural

Transport Initiative• Developed Transnational linkages with 22 countries• Implemented 35 National & EU Programmes through

a single Administrative structure

IRD Duhallow’s LEADER ThemeMaking the Best Use of Natural and

Cultural Resources

• … by promoting walking holidays, developing angling facilities, supporting cultural centres, advocating heritage management, enhancement of built heritage, encouraging preservation and restoration, developing environmental awareness and promoting sustainable land use.

The Role of LEADER in Developing Rural Tourism

• The Local Action Group reflects the needs of the area and provides the impetus through its Strategic Plan

• Builds the Capacity of Communities to spearhead Tourism Developments

• Brokerage Role with the State Agencies to provide the funding and know-how

• Capacity to engage with others in joint marketing• Has the LEADER Funds to deliver and not just Prime

the Pump

• Funding through LEADER to develop new products• LEADER Approach to draw up a tourism strategy• LEADER provides staff to assist communities &

individuals – Animation & Capacity Building• Tourism has a considerable role in the development of

rural areas.• It combines well with farming and provides

supplementary income & stimulating enterprises.• Improves local economy • Improves quality of life for rural people as well as

tourists.• LEADER funded Tourist Amenities give communities a

“Feel Good” fasctor about themselves and their area

The Role of LEADER in Developing Rural Tourism

Cultural Tourism

•The role of Culture as a Tourism Product is vital

•Remote Rural Areas are often Culturally Rich

•Rockchapel has been granted LEADER funds to Build a Cultural Centre & organise traditional music, song & dance workshops for young people to keep our traditions alive

Eco-Tourism

Millstreet Country Park was Developed by a private Promoter on his farm to attract Tourists

interested in Nature. Project started in LEADER l

• Activity Holidays are a Growth Area in Tourism

• The Walks must be mapped and completed to the highest international standards

• The Duhallow Way is part of The European E8 walk from Bulgaria to the Atlantic

Activity Holidays

The Development of a 100km cycle route was undertaken in partnership with 4 other LAG’s

• The Development of Angling as another Activity Holiday Product has been central to LEADER strategy.

• Duhallow has wild salmon and trout angling but coarse water fishing is also popular.

• Voluntary Labour as match-funding for Community Projects

Angling Tourism

The Role of the Village in Rural Tourism

Restoration of Heritage Sites

Rehabilitation of Ponds in Villages

• Old farmhouses transformed for self catering

• Supported under the agri-tourism measure

• A Viable on-farm enterprise

• Must be to the highest EU standards

• Renovates derelict houses

Tourist Accommodation

Before

After

• LEADER method in Developing Tourism Strategy– Work with the Community not for it

• Develop & enhance tourism in an environmentally & sustainable way based on areas Assets

• Increase opportunities for employment & maximise development of rural areas

• Identify needs in product development & marketing• Encourage on-farm diversification, stimulate enterprise • Develop skills of providers through participation in

training programmes to improve visitor satisfaction• Use other Programmes to further develop the Sector• Do not under-estimate Culture as a Tourism Product

Conclusion