The Successful Launch of the St. Declan’s Way 5-Year Strategic Plan
Minister Mary Butler TD launched the St. Declan’s Way Strategic Plan 2024-2028 at a ceremony held in the Hall of the Vicar’s Choral in the scenic Rock of Cashel on Friday April 5th, 2024.
The event was very well-attended with over 65 people present at the launch which took place at the St. Declan’s Way trailhead, the Rock of Cashel. Many of the attendees were representatives of key stakeholders such as Waterford City and County Council, Tipperary County Council, Waterford Leader Partnership Clg., South Tipperary Development Co., Munster Vales, Fáilte Ireland, Visit Waterford, Tipperary Tourism, Knockmealdown Active, the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Cistercian Order, local historians and a number of the 45 Walks Scheme participants along St. Declan’s Way in County Waterford.
Many key political representatives were also in attendance, including Minister Butler, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Gerard Darcy, Deputy TDs Marc O’Cathasaigh and Mattie McGrath, Senator Gareth Ahearne and elected councillors from both Waterford and Tipperary.
The strategic plan, partly financed by Waterford Leader Partnership and collaboratively authored by the St. Declan’s Way Steering Committee and Tourism Development International, sets out steps to raise the profile of this historic pilgrim route to greater national and international prominence.
The plan outlines a detailed roadmap for the trail’s development, including enhancing trail infrastructure, improving off-road paths, hiring a development manager and launching targeted marketing campaigns aimed at capturing the growing interest in walking tourism. With an estimated investment of €2.4 million, the plan envisions attracting over 20,000 walkers annually by 2029, aiming to generate a significant economic impact in rural Ireland, estimated at €35.4 million.
Words of support and congratulations for the St. Declan’s Way landowners, Steering Committee and other key stakeholders were issued by all speakers at the event. Speakers included Cllr Gerard Darcy, David McNulty of Tourism Development International, St. Declan’s Way Committee Chairperson Gráinne Moynihan, and Minister Butler.
The Minister praised the excellent work of the Committee and all the stakeholders involved for being the perfect example of “what can be achieved when people start working together for the good of the community”.
#Ourruralfuture #Leader #rurallife #trails
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