Posted online: Mar 12th, 2010

A range of initiatives to make Letterkenny a better place to work and live in – as well as attracting more tourism –were outlined this week.
These include a forum to promote the town, the enhancement of the www.letterkenny.ie website, and marketing the town as a tourist destination.
Addressing members of Letterkenny Town Council, Mr. Ciaran Martin, Letterkenny Development Officer, said that a strategy to promote the economy of the town over the next two to three years is being drawn up.
This will involve bringing together representatives from interested bodies such as Fáilte Ireland, Letterkenny Chamber, local vintners and hoteliers, and the general public through a public consultation programme.
Meanwhile, the Council is working with Failte Ireland on a joint marketing campaign which will see a press and radio campaign promoting Letterkenny.
Plans are also in the pipeline for events signage to be placed at the various “gateway” entrances to the town, such as the roundabouts at the Port Bridge and O’Donnell Park.
While signage will be primarily for community events, it will also be available for commercial interests wishing to advertise an event, such as a music festival, concert or event.
Mr. Martin spoke about charging a fee of €500 a week for signage advertising commercial events. He felt that this represented good value given the volume of traffic that passes these areas.
However, Cllr. Ciaran felt that the fee of €500 a week per sign is too expensive and wondered whether it would be better to set a lower fee and attract more income.
Cllr. Dessie Larkin stressed that the paid for event signage would not be for general business, but would be for specific events.
Cllr. Jimmy Harte echoed a point made by Cllr. Brogan that people in the town will already know about the event and it is important still to advertise outside the area.
Cllr. Harte also wondered whether they could erect a scrolling sign which could advertise a number of events.