BY AILEEN MURPHY
Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has officially congratulated the Lough Erne Canoe Trail for winning the Innovation category at this year's Waterways Renaissance Awards. This is the first time in the history of the award that a project based in the North of Ireland has received such an accolade. The 50 km Lough Erne Canoe Trail stretches from Muckross on Lower Lough Erne to Crom in Upper Lough Erne.
The Waterways Renaissance Awards aim to recognise best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK.
The Minister said: "Fermanagh's tourism infrastructure continues to develop, and represents a tremendous opportunity for many innovative and inspiring projects like this. The Trail will be a magnet to canoeists from both the local community and those from further afield'.
She was confident that, the tourism generated as a result of the development of the Trail, would benefit rural communities, pubs, village shops, visitor attractions and accommodation providers along its length.
The Trail is accompanied by onshore interpretation material and a website providing maps, advice on sustainability as well as information, ranging from local facilities to biodiversity which help to promote the area as a whole. Ms Gildernew spoke of her commitment to revitalising rural areas generally.
"My Department", she explained, "is actively supporting a large number of rural projects and initiatives throughout the North. The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide the opportunity for significant investment in rural areas as well as encouraging individuals and organisations to work together to enhance and improve the lives of all those living in rural communities."
Launched in May 2005, the Lough Erne Trail has gone from strength to strength, attracting avid canoeists from all over the world.
It was developed by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) for Northern Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. The project £20,478 in funding from the Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resource Tourism Initiative (NRRTI) Programme part of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.
