COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENTERPRISE AND TOURISM SPC

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

HEADED ITEM NO. 2

HEADED ITEM: E. Development, Enterprise and Tourism

Implementation of Tourism Strategy

REPLY:

Following the launch of the Tourism Strategy last month work has begun on implementation on a number of fronts, the primary objective has however been internal organisational changes and resourcing which is ongoing and will result in the creation of a County Promotion Unit.

An essential further component of the organisational piece is the reorientation of the existing Working Group. Following their excellent work in developing the strategy focus now moves towards implementation of the strategy.

The Council is seeking to add to the existing industry participants on the group and has scheduled a workshop meeting for the Group (28th May) to agree a medium term implementation plan.

The indicative agenda aimed at producing a focussed implementation plan is as below:

• Marketing Strategy (including website/platforms and review/development of existing collaterals)
• Development of packages/itineraries
• Early opportunities to enhance visitor experience
• Industry priorities
• Areas/projects requiring more research/studies or focussed sub groups

The identified key projects are being progressed as set out below:

Flagship: Dublin Mountains

• Memorandum of understanding under discussion with Coillte.  

Signage:

• Wayfinding Implementation in Tallaght ongoing-delivery of pilot signage commenced.
• Review commenced of signage to existing attractions off national and local roads.

Corridors/Trails:

• Camac and Bolbrook Greenways – applications being jointly prepared by Tourism and Transport and Planning functions –submission June 2015.
• Slade Trail – Millrace Park completed – liaison with Planning ongoing for it to be taken in charge. Ongoing negotiation on other parts of route. 
• Inter departmental Group established to drive Heritage Trails.

Heritage:

• “Summer of Heritage” – Walks Talks and Event, programme under development with Tourism, Heritage Officer and Libraries functions- brochure being designed.
• Round Tower – review of interpretative material ongoing
• Enabling works ongoing
• Café tender to issue – Architects reviewing technical elements

Marketing/County Profile

• Visit Dublin (Dublin Now, Dublin Conv Bureau) – writing to businesses to address low presence of many businesses on Visit Dublin and other portals
• Imagery – Brief for photography for summer months finalised and scheduling/logistics being organised.
• Inventory of collaterals/brochures ongoing and trial stands for high footfall areas being sourced.
• Red Line – video marketing training provided by Failte, travel writers session being organised as part of Red Line (assist profile for Tourism, develop Media relations)
• Brief for Tourism website under development

Grants:

• Tourism Diaspora - €15k approval to 5 events – utilising images and video from these events to drive uptake for 2016.
• Shop Front Grants: 17 received. Grants sought almost to full value of fund (€50k). Consultations being arranged.