THE LOCAL economy is set to receive a boost to the tune of €3.1 million over the next three years, as Wexford town is to be awarded Purple Flag status for excellence in its nightlife.

The fruit of a year’s work, the new accreditation is expected to result in a six per cent increase in tourism footfall in the town as an extra 10,000 visitors are attracted to visit over the next three years.

Wexford will receive promotion nationally and internationally as a tourism destination, with the town’s hotels, bars, restaurants and local attractions all set to experience an increase in revenue as a result.

News of a boost to Wexford’s tourism industry will be warmly welcomed by business owners and others in the industry, particularly given the economic opportunities that were missed out on when the Three Sisters’ region failed in its bid to become European Capital of Culture for 2020.

Local businesses and community groups, as well as Wexford Chamber and Wexford County Council, collaborated on a huge combined effort to enable the town to gain the prestigious Purple Flag.

Information meetings, workshops and sites visits were just some of the activities undertaken throughout the process.

Celebrating the announcement, Chief Executive of Wexford Chamber, Madeleine Quirke, said: “we are delighted that Wexford has been awarded the Purple Flag status in recognition of our dedicated efforts and investment in the enhancement of our night-time economy.

We are very proud to fly the Purple Flag, reflecting the strength of ongoing partnerships and engagement with businesses, community groups and residents of the town.”

Obtaining this special status, was, she said, “the outcome of months of dedication and hard work.

“Huge work went into this process, which included workshops, a self-assessment, a comprehensive application submission and an independent adjudication,” she said.

As part of the adjudication process, a thorough assessment of the town’s evening and night-time offerings was carried out under the themed categories of Wellbeing, Movement, Appeal, Place and Policy.

Towns which receive the status are deemed to offer a well-managed, diverse, entertaining and enjoyable evening and night out to both residents and visitors to the town.

Read more in the Wexford Echo.