Serious moves have been made by Donegal County Council to make Doe Castle a flagship tourism project in the county following representations made by Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian O'Domhnaill.

Cllr O'Domhnaill has highlighted Doe Castle's potential and, this week, received a commitment from Donegal County Council to concentrate on the development of Doe Castle as a flagship tourism project in response to a question he tabled at this week's monthly meeting of the Council.

Expressing his delight at the news, Cllr. O'Domhnaill said: "I have been lobbying the Council now for some time on the urgent need to categorise Doe Castle as a flagship tourism and cultural project within the County. I am now somewhat upbeat to the most recent response which I have received from the Director of Community, Enterprise and Cultural Services at the Council."

A statement issued by the Council stated: "Doe Castle has the potential to be developed as a cultural tourism amenity that could play a role in the forthcoming Flight of the Earls commemorations and the Errigal Arts Festival as an outdoor venue for performances."

It continued: "The office of Public Works are open to discussions to explore the further potential of the Castle and its grounds. The Community, Culture and Enterprise Directorate are exploring funding opportunities for enhancement of the facilities outside the Castle boundaries, including the parking area and picnic facilities.

"A model exists whereby environmental improvement works at Inch Lake were funded from the Council's Tourism Product Development Fund. This model may be examined in the context of the allocation available to the Glenties Electoral Area Committee in 2007."

VITAL

Cllr O'Domhnaill concluded: "I believe that Doe Castle represents one of the finest prospects in our County and accordingly it is vital that Donegal County Council move forward with a funding plan for the restoration of the Castle and its grounds.

"I will be pressing the Council to make funding available for this project in Budget 2007. My colleague Cllr Ian Mc Garvey has also raised this particular issue in recent times and I wholeheartedly agreed with him on this matter."