The Town of Tilting has received $15,000 from the Provincial Government to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a centre for Newfoundland/Irish field studies..

"The establishment of a centre for Newfoundland/Irish field studies in Tilting presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and benefit from the strong ancestral connection between the province and Ireland," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Chair of the Ireland Business Partnerships. "Through the Ireland Business Partnerships we have been long-time supporters of the Town of Tilting as it seeks to preserve its culture and seek opportunities to grow its tourism capacity."

The province�s first Registered Heritage District, the Town of Tilting has also been designated a Cultural Landscape District by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Focused on preserving and developing the community�s cultural heritage, a centre was identified as being a key component in Tilting�s 2006 economic plan.

"In June 2007, a conference was held in Tilting to examine the concept of a centre for Newfoundland/Irish field studies," said Gerard Foley, Mayor, Town of Tilting. "Delegates gathered from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, the United States, along with representatives from the Ireland Business Partnerships, Ireland Newfoundland Partnership, and the Canadian Association of Irish Field Studies � their participation and dialogue confirmed the tremendous potential and academic support for this initiative."

In addition to ongoing trade missions, this initiative is representative of the growing relationships between Ireland and the province. Through ongoing collaboration, the two jurisdictions are jointly strengthening their economic and cultural ties.

"The Town of Tilting has taken a leadership role in preserving the community�s rich history and cultural attachment to Ireland," said Derrick Dalley, MHA, The Isles of Notre Dame. "This project balances that history while identifying opportunities to attract tourists, in addition to students, researchers, and professors, to the area."

The program is funded by the Provincial Government�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). RSDF is a $5-million fund that provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

- 30 -

Media contacts: