Funding confirmed for Mayo island's tourism festival

A Mayo Oireachtas member has welcomed the announcement that Achill Tourism Festival is to receive €16,300 under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture.

Senator Lisa Chambers said: "This is very welcome funding for Achill as we enter the height of the tourism season here in Mayo.

"I commend Councillor Paul MnNamara for his support and work on securing this important.

"Achill is a very popular tourism destination for Mayo people and for visitors from outside the county.

"This money will be used to support Achill tourism and the local community and is a very worthwhile investment in the area.

"The Rural Innovation and Development Fund seeks to fund activities that relate to the promotion and/or development of innovative agri-food tourism projects recognising the importance of agri-food businesses and the strong links with the tourism offering in an area.

"The objective is to energise the rural economy by encouraging innovative job creation and sustainable enterprise development in the locality.

"Tourism is vital to the local economy in Achill and employs a significant number of people locally. Funding of this nature supports these tourism jobs and businesses and ensures their continued sustainability into the future."