McGinn expresses outrage at Council’s tourism supplement
Fews Sinn Féin councillor Pat McGinn has criticised officials in Newry & Mourne Council who were involved in the production of an advert for an Irish News tourism supplement last week.
Speaking to Newry Times, Councillor McGinn said,
“The quality of sections of some of the copy and photographs itself in this publication is questionable, however the back page advertisement of this supplement which features an outdated Tourist Information and Activity map of Newry & Mourne caused anger, frustration and despair. I can only say that whoever drew up this map must not see much potential in south Armagh as there is a complete neglect to highlight facilities such as Camlough Lake, Slieve Gullion or Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre and the cultural and recreational activities such as walking, swimming, fishing, that take place at them.”
“South Armagh has a huge tourism offering, in particular the recreational aspect with outdoor activities such as water sports, mountain climbing and hill walking taking place across many locations. However, these have been completely ignored in this advert.”
Councillor McGinn went on to voice his concerns at the way in which the advertisement addresses the tourist offering in County Louth,
“Anyone looking at this advert would think that the world ends at the border. County Louth is depicted on this map as a great white space full of nothing. Each week we hear claims from Council in relation to the growing partnership and working together between these two neighbouring areas, this “map” certainly doesn’t portray that. Would it have been that difficult for those designing this map to incorporate the tourism offering in our neighbouring county?”
“Cross border tourism is vital to Newry & Mourne and there are many fantastic opportunities in counties Louth and Monaghan which have been completely ignored.”
McGinn added, “Given the cost of procuring this advert I and my fellow councillors are dismayed by the lack of detail and apparent effort which has gone into it. I would contend that in future elected councillors should have much more input in to the content of this type of advertising prior to it going to print.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=18645