The Minister for Environment has given sanction to Galway Rural Development company to approve funding of up to €200,000 to the Slieve Aughty Centre, Loughrea.

The funding, provided under the Tourism measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide the necessary financial support to allow Esther Zyderlaan, T/A the Slieve Aughty Centre to complete an accommodation unit, which will enable the centre to expand its  ecotourism facility in Co Galway.

The facility offers a sustainable tourism amenity that aims to work in harmony with the local environment while simultaneously offering a unique eco friendly option for home visitors and tourists alike.   

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Announcing the funding Minister Hogan (pictured) said: "This project represents a way forward for rural tourism in Ireland by combining the need to provide interesting and healthy activity options with the need to ensure that such activities are environmentally conscious. The project will not only provide direct support to the project promoter as a local entreprenuer but  will also be of immense benefit to both local communities and visitors to the region. Tourism activities generate income in rural communities that would otherwise not be earned, indeed tourism is one of the most effective ways of redistributing wealth having significant  potential to move money into ‘local’ economies from other parts of the country and overseas. I have no doubt that this project will act as a focal point in Loughrea attracting visitors to the region and supporting the development of rural tourism in in the County as a whole."