Mr. Paul Kelly:

I thank the Deputy for the question. There is plenty of capacity and availability for domestic holidaymakers this year. We must remember that 70% of the tourism economy and revenue is made up of overseas visitors, and as of right now there are no overseas visitors in the country. Yesterday, the Irish Hotels Federation reported that for July, 77% of hotel bedrooms in the country are still unsold. The figure is 74% for August. There is also significant capacity in guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation. Self-catering is doing very well, with high occupancy rates across the next six or seven weeks, as is caravanning and camping. It is also important to remember that the next few weeks until August represent only part of the year and all of these businesses need to survive for the rest of the year and into the next tourism season. There are significant challenges.

I would say to anyone who is worried about capacity or space that there is plenty of both. There is great value out there and people should shop around and not believe what is posted on social media.