Client: IAT (Inter-LAG) Cooperation Working Group
The Challenge
To supply a scoping study relating to the development and enhancement of the Ulster Ireland section of the International Appalachian Trail measuring a distance of 302 miles (485 kilometres) from west Donegal in the Republic of Ireland to Larne, Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland.
The scoping study required:
- Provision of an overview analysis of the strategic context
- Provision of an audit of the baseline and a review of IAT and its component parts
- Identification of opportunities to develop the trail and maximise economic benefit
- Identification of priorities & actions
- Provision of an options appraisal
- Provision of a series of recommendations to facilitate project delivery.
The Role
To deliver the project we undertook the following actions:
- A detailed examination of the strategic context in which the project will operate
- Facilitation a one-day workshop with key officers from each Council area to agree a consensus approach to ensure consistency across sections / stakeholders
- An on the ground review in the priority areas (up to a maximum of 60 miles in total) to critically assess physical infrastructure and sustainability
- Utilization of GIS Mapping to undertake a mapping exercise to:
- critically review and assess the physical course taken by the existing trail (entire route) to determine if this is the optimum route
- reflect findings from on the ground review of priority sections
- dovetail these findings alongside the holistic route i.e. the other sections of the route to which the on ground review did not apply
- Primary research (9 workshops, online surveys and one-to-one consultation) to ascertain visitor experience, marketing, brand recognition and economic impact
- International best practice benchmarking to ascertain economic benefit and critical factors for success
- Identification of priorities holistically for the Ulster Ireland IAT, and those specific to each LAG/Council area in relation to the opportunities identified
- Development of a SWOT analysis for each element of the project and consider the feasibility including economic analysis of each development component
- Development of a set of key recommendations in relation to the steps and actions required to move the project from the feasibility phase to completion
Project Funders
- IAT (Inter-LAG) Cooperation Working Group including:
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Donegal Local Development Company
- Udaras na Gaeltacht