Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is equally important. It was an initiative for a geopark and geotourism in what is a hugely significant scenic area from Slieve Gullion down to the Cooley Peninsula. Progress had been made through the North-South bodies and cross-Border groups and while everything had been bedded down and was ready to go in the Slieve Gullion area, it appears that Louth County Council pulled the project from this end of the county. No significant reason was given for that other than that the consultation with the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, was problematic but there did not appear to be any evidence of consultation. There was certainly no evidence that it was problematic. Much to its shock, the cross-Border committee was informed only recently that it was not going ahead because this is an area of majestic beauty and it is hugely significant if we are talking about all-Ireland and cross-Border tourism. Will the Minister ask the questions about this because the group is not getting too many answers? Everything was in place from the Slieve Gullion and south Armagh end but the plug was pulled from the Louth end. What happened is unacceptable. It would generate tourism and revenue in that area at a time when we are trying to encourage walking and similar aspects of tourism. We only have to see the number of tourists who travel to Ireland now for walking holidays.