A major project set up to improve the perceptions of four towns on both sides of the Irish Sea is to be officially launched.
The three year BRAND project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EDRF) through the Ireland Wales Programme (INTERREG 4A), with the partners being Denbighshire, Isle of Anglesey, Kildare and Dun-Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils.
The project centres on Rhyl and Holyhead, as well as Athy and Dun Laoghaire in the Irish Republic. All four towns have a history of regeneration projects, and all four have difficulties with the way in which they are perceived by residents, businesses, tourism/hospitality sector and other opinion formers.
BRAND looks at re-engaging these four communities by finding out people’s views, re-branding the towns and coming up with examples of how their experiences through the project can benefit other community regeneration initiatives.
Councillor David Thomas, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “BRAND is all about changing the perceptions of all four towns. Rhyl and Athy have already created close working links and there are obvious strong links between the port towns of Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire.
“We need to engage with various groups to find out what their perceptions are, what are the barriers to overcoming these perceptions and coming up with innovative and creative ways of boosting the reputation and images of all four towns.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development Bryan Owen added: “This is about making these four towns more competitive and raising their profile. The hope is that the project will boost the economy locally and improve the experience of visitors who come to Holyhead and Rhyl as well as to our partner towns in Ireland.”
The official launch will take place at Elwy Hall, Rhyl on Tuesday, May 18 at 11am, followed by a tour of Rhyl for delegates attending from the other participating towns.
