DUNGARVAN OBSERVER 27TH MAY 2009 – PAUL MOONEY
A NEW initiative has begun in Dungarvan which will see the marketing of the town on a large scale to attract tourists and holidaymakers here.
D499.ie is a new concept ‘Dungarvan –more 4 less’ that brings together business leaders in the town and Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber under a sub Tourism and Leisure Committee that are actively working to get many initiatives off the ground to attract people from all over the country and beyond to visit or stay in Dungarvan and encourage them to spend here.
The first meeting of the sub-committee took place last Friday morning at Lawlors Hotel to brainstorm ideas and progress the D499 initiative.
The meeting included Jenny Beresford of Dungarvan Chamber: Gerry O’Connor, Dungarvan Shopping Centre; Michael Burke, Lawlors Hotel; Colette Bannon, The Work Coach; Larry O’Donovan, AIB; Ian Noctor, WLR FM and members of the local press.
It was explained that the D499 concept means Dungarvan for € 99, whereby all businesses are invited to put forward packages that would be €99; €9.99 or something 99cent. These offers will be updated regularly on the website D499.ie.
Manager of Clonea Strand Hotel, Mark Knowles, said the aim of the sub-committee is to get the D499 concept up and running, bringing new festival ideas for Dungarvan, while building on the ones the town already has, among other promotional projects.
Suggestions made include a possible summer comedy festival; children’s festival and a wildlife festival.
It is understood that a vintage car show is to be staged in Dungarvan around 12 July nest.
Promotion and advertising was looked at, with a possible television campaign in the pipelines, along with regional and local media support.
The sub-committee has acquired D499.ie and the site is currently under construction, due to be up and running in the near future.
A spokesperson for the sub-committee said it is expected there will be hotel, pub and restaurant, retail, entertainment and leisure activities categories on the site.
“The sub-committee are also creating 40,000 flyers, car bumper stickers, flags and other marketing materials to add exposure to this campaign, highlighting D499.ie” said the spokesperson.
“We have contacted many businesses for feedback and to see the level of commitment to get involved in this initiative. So far, the response has been hugely positive, “ added the spokesperson.
