TWO of Donegal’s most popular tourist attractions have been forced to stop selling Welsh bottled water and stock an Irish variety instead following complaints from patriotic members of the public.
The cafes at both Glenveagh National Park and the Glebe Gallery in Churchill have been selling crates of ‘Princess Gate’ water, bottled in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, during the recent busy spell.
However, following a number of complaints from members of the public, and a query from the Donegal News, both outlets confirmed they would have an Irish sourced bottled water product available shortly.
Ironically, the Welsh water was on sale at last Sunday’s ‘Heritage Week’ craft fair at Glebe Gallery which was held to promote local art and produce.
A spokesperson for the Office of Public Works (OPW), who own and run the gallery, said the decision to sell the foreign water was an “oversight” on the part of cafe management.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said Irish water will be offered shortly in the tea rooms at Glenveagh in response to “customer feedback.”
The catering outlets at Glenveagh are operated by way of an “out-sourced contract concession”, their spokesperson said.
“The bottled water currently on sale is a quality, attractive product that is produced in Wales.
“In response to customer feedback, the operator will arrange to have an Irish sourced bottled water product available shortly as an alternative choice.”
The spokesperson added that tap water (from Donegal) is also available freely at their catering outlets.
Glenveagh Tea Rooms run the cafe at the Glebe Gallery, according to the OPW spokesperson.
“It was an oversight on their part that they received a supply of the said (Welsh) water. They have now corrected the error and will order Irish water,” they explained.
“Glenveagh Tea Rooms source all local produce and The Glebe Gallery recently held a Heritage Fair where 3,000 people attended and also where 40 local craft producers and suppliers attended. “It has always been the aim of the Glebe Gallery to facilitate such events and promote Irish crafts and food.”
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