The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Councillor Seán Drew officially launched The Porchfield during a ceremony on Wednesday 08 June.
The Porchfield consists of an outdoor performance space, improved walking and picnic/seating facilities, all-weather walking tracks, newly planted wildflower meadow, an outdoor gym area and restoration of the Horse Bridge. Visitors can also discover the original purpose of the once medieval agricultural field, as outlined on the newly installed interpretive panels and maps and included on the Porchfield Digital Storytrail.
This project is the first Fáilte Ireland 'Destination Town Capital Investment Scheme' project in the country to be completed and launched. It was unded with a 50% contribution from Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Towns scheme, as well as a significant investment from Meath County Council.
This project and ancillary projects in the area represents an investment of approximately €1 million in the heritage town of Trim.
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Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Drew said: "During the last year approximately 300,000 people have walked in the Porchfield, an estimate of over 5,000 people per week, making this by far the most used walking trail in the county. This is an amenity and open space that will continue to be well trodden and appreciated by young and old alike."
Meath County Council Chief Executive Jackie Maguire added: "The overarching aim of this project was to add an additional attraction, adjacent to the heart of the town and Trim Castle and to substantially increase the accessibility of this town centre open space. This project provides the first outdoor performance space in Meath and has allowed for greater animation of the stories of Trim through the beautiful interpretive panels and digital storytrail. It is a wonderful space for local groups to host outdoor heritage and cultural performances."
The Fáilte Ireland 'Destination Town Capital Investment Scheme' is driven by the National Tourism Development Authority to achieve a better regional spread of overseas and domestic visitors. The aim of the scheme is to drive sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector and to increase revenue and job creation around Ireland. Trim can acclaim the first town in Ireland to finalise a project under this initiative.
Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland commented: "Tourism is an important economic driver and source of employment, particularly in rural communities. Today's first official destination town opening in Trim, Co. Meath will help improve the appeal of the town and support the spread of tourism across a wider geography in Meath. Trim is an important hub with the local Ancient Destination and Experience Development Plan and we're fortunate to have a very committed local stakeholder group working together to make good things happen."
