Comprehensive Offaly tourist website to be officially launched within months

A comprehensive and inclusive tourism website to promote Offaly as a tourist destination is the main aim of a group recently set up called Offaly Tourism Network. Chaired by owner of Sirocco's restaurant in Tullamore Paula Tahraoui, the initiative also has the support of secretary of Tullamore Show Freda Kinnarney and representatives of Lough Boor Parklands amongst others. The group was formed after founding members completed a course with Offaly Local Development and they recently successfully sought funding from LEADER for their soon to be launched website. Ms Tahraoui said this week the focus now is getting the website - www.offalytourism.com - set up and launched. A basic website is currently in place, with LEADER funding being used to upgrade that. Describing the tourism website as "by the people for the people", Ms Tahraoui said the aim is to have every tourist provider represented for a small fee that's affordable to all. Tourism providers who are interested in being included should contact Offaly Tourism Network secretary Martina Dermody by emailing martinadermody@hotmail.com. Though all work is being carried out on a voluntary basis by network members, Ms Tahraoui said it's hoped to have the website ready for an official launch within two months.