This article is from page 24 of the 2009-04-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
THE Mid-West Regional Authority has announced details of an ambi- tious new plan to develop and pro- mote the watersports sector in the Shannon region.
The Mid-West Watersports Project, which will be launched in Ballina on April 30, is aimed at boosting the marine leisure sector and its positive economic and environmental im- pacts in north Tipperary, Clare and Limerick.
The authority intends to build on existing marine leisure initiatives, to develop new opportunities for sus- tainable development of watersports
and attract thousands of additional visitors to the region each year.
According to Project Manager Marie Collins, the regional authority will design and implement a compre- hensive online portal for watersports in the region over the next three years, working closely with the re- gion’s local authorities, tourism busi- ness sector, tourism bodies and local watersports centres.
“Through the National Sport Fed- erations, we will also develop a series of training programmes in environ- mental awareness and social inclu- sion, promoting the marine leisure sector and creating opportunities for all people to become more involved
in the sector.”
A regional launch of the Mid-West Watersports Project will take place in the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina on Thursday, April 30 from 2 to 4pm.
The event is geared towards water- sports clubs, activity centres, marine leisure businesses and tourism pro- motion bodies in the marine leisure sector.
It will feature a number of presen- tations on the various elements of the project, marine leisure and the envi- ronment.
Anyone interested in attending should contact the regional authority at 067 33197 or by email info@mwra. ilo