Eco-friendly tourism scheme launched

A new eco-tourism project is expected to attract nearly 5,000 “green tourists” to Ireland every year, organisers predict.

The Green Box – which spans a number of counties across the west of Ireland - aims to cut the impact holidaymakers have on the environment.

It will feature activities such as walking and cycling and promote locally-produced organic food.

Tourism providers will have to show their commitment to saving energy and waste management if they are to be certified under the scheme.

The scheme launched by the Western Development Tourism Programme covers parts of counties Leitrim, Fermanagh, Sligo, Donegal, Cavan and Roscommon.

Spokesman Alan Hill said the European Union had asked member states to come forward with ideas for making tourism eco-friendly.

“The Green Box was Ireland’s response to that call,” he said.

“It is a pristine environment, it already has a number of environmentally sound programmes.”

He added: “Eco-tourism holidays mean that the impact the visitor has is as minimal as possible.”

The project is expected to attract some 4,800 green tourists every year, although this figure is expected to rise by the third year.