First island blueway in Ireland launched on Arranmore Island

The first marine blueway in the country was launched this morning by the Minister for Rural and Community Development on Arranmore Island. The blueway is the first in the country to be located on an island, the first in the county and the first in a Gaeltacht. Work on the project has been ongoing for several years. 

Arranmore Island representative, Noreen Muldowney, said she hopes the blueway will help create employment, increase the number of visitors to the island and also increase business in Burtonport.

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The blueway is a combination of land and sea trails along and bordering the water. 

Mrs Mundowney said the blueway encapsulates a package for tourists which include activities, dining and entertainment: “It is much more than activity, it includes dining and other things to do in the area. Hopefully it will encourage more visitors to the area, to Burtonport and to the island.” 

The island also boasts a snorkel trail which is the first in the country to receive accreditation. 

It is also hoped that the blueway will encourage more people to start their own businesses on the island albeit some of them may be seasonal. 

“We hope it will rejuvenate the economy and help to keep those on the island to stay on the island,” she said. 

She recognised the work that Independent Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig did in helping bring the project to fruition. Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig is a member of the committee on the island and has been very vocal on the benefits a blueway could provide the region. He raised the progress of the blueway on a number of occasions at Glenties Municipal District. 

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Mrs Muldowney welcomed the island policy, Croi Conaithe, which was launched by the minister earlier today on the island. She said she appreciates the fact that the money for the islands is ring-fenced adding that it is positive that island representatives will have their say on how the policy is progressing.