A ten million euro development plan has been announced for Lough Derg.
The Fáilte Ireland marketing strategy will run over four years and aims to boost tourism numbers to the North Tipp region.
Plans include a new interpretive centre in Portroe, a canoe and kayak trail for the lake, signage strategy and the redevelopment of a number of discovery points including the Lookout.
This latest plan, 'Lough Derg – Life at the Lake' outlines the possibilities for development for the region over four years.
A wide variety of initiatives are earmarked for the region including signage, walking trails, an amenity programme, improved access points to the water along with an interpretive centre in Portroe, much like the Visitor centre developed at the Cliffs of Moher.
Funding for the 10 million euro strategy will come from both Local Authorities and Central Government.
Junior Transport Minister and North Tipp TD Alan Kelly says efforts have been made before to improve amenities at the lake…but this plan will cover all areas around the water
Along with developments on the Tipperary side of the water, there are also plans for a water park in Ogonnelloe in County Clare and an eco park in Portumna.
Promotional activity and the redevelopment of a number of discovery points are also in the pipeline.
Joe O'Donoghue from Lough Derg Anglers says that work in recent years to improve the quality of the water means that this is the right time to market the lake as a tourist destination.
The new amalgamated Tipperary County Council will be centrally involved in the project with County Manager Joe MacGrath at the helm.
It's hoped that an increase in visitor numbers to the lake will have a positive spin-off for local businesses in the area.
Joyce Soden runs the Derg Inn on the shores of Lough Derg in Terryglass.
She says a co-ordinated approach by the local authorities in Tipperary, Clare and Galway is the best way to market the region
The plan is set to be officially unveiled this evening in the Lakeside hotel in Ballina/Killaloe by Minister Kelly, along with representatives of Fáilte Ireland and the Lough Derg Marketing Strategy Group.
