IAT Long Distance Walking Trail Scoping Study

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