Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Ferry Services to Inis Mór: Discussion

2:15 pm

Mr. Simon Murray:

There was a question asked about the net benefit of tourism from the islands, which is massive. We are recognised by Fáilte Ireland and the islands are collectively branded. It took some time to get there, but we got there in the end. Through that process, we are a huge contributor to national revenue. That comes back to seeking our share of the revenue in order to sustain the islands into the future.

I own a hotel myself so I have a fair idea of what I am talking about. Of our customer base, I would say that 75% to 80% are Irish people. That is quite common across all of the islands. The people who are staying and booking for two or three nights for weddings, self-catering, hostels, holiday homes or whatever it may be are all Irish people. Irish people are invested in the islands. All we are looking for is for our Government to think the same way and do the same thing. Irrespective of what Government is in power, there must be a continuous policy on the sustainability of islands at council level, county development plan level, national plan level and, for us involved with the European Small Islands Federation, at European level as well. It does not take a huge amount for people to think consistently that this is a country that has islands that need to be protected to ensure their sustainability into the future.

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