Rushin House Caravan Park in Belcoo, Co Fermanagh has been officially opened by Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew.

Since opening, the caravan park has proved a popular destination, attracting visitors from all over Ireland, mainland Europe and further afield including the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Due to its location Rushin House Caravan Park is the ideal base for touring the towns and countryside of the west of Ireland allowing tourists to enjoy the wide range of activities, attractions and culture on offer in County Fermanagh.

Speaking at the opening the Minister said: "Fermanagh's tourism infrastructure continues to develop, and represents a tremendous opportunity for local businesses. Rushin House Caravan Park is a great example of rural development in action and an impressive farm diversification project that helps address the economic, social and tourist needs of the area.

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"For over a decade my Department has been promoting diversification as a means of increasing income to farm families. Rushin House Caravan Park certainly serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved when a local need is identified."

The Minister also discussed her commitment to revitalising rural areas, saying that: "My Department is actively supporting a large number of rural projects and initiatives throughout the North. The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide the opportunity for significant investment in rural areas as well as encouraging individuals and organisations to work together to enhance and improve the lives of all those living in rural communities."

Rushin House Caravan Park is owned by Cathal and Brenda O’Dolan. Commenting on what the area has to offer Brenda said: "The local area has so much to offer in terms scenery, history and culture. Attractions include the Marble Arch Caves, Belleek Pottery and Culcuaigh Mountain Park, not to mention the 'Best Restaurant in Ireland' recently awarded to Neven Maguire's MacNean House in Blacklion. The best accolade, however, came from a visitor from Dublin who recently stayed at Rushin House Park and described the area as Ireland's hidden gem"

Rushin House Caravan Park was supported under Peace II funded Natural Rural Resource Tourism Initiative (NRRTI).

(GK/JM)