Mr. Se?n Connick:

We would, yes. I will follow up on Ms Enright’s valid point on sustainable tourism. Many of us are very conscious of the issue. For example, Fáilte Ireland is promoting sustainable tourism. For the first time in our engagements with overseas tourism operators, some have asked what our sustainable policies are. There is a cost associated with developing a sustainable policy. Recently, we availed of an SEAI grant for an energy audit. The outcome of the audit had 12 or 14 recommendations. We can tackle the smaller and more immediate recommendations, but solar panels, heating control and management systems and the like cost hundreds and thousands of euro. We are a mix of private sector and not-for-profit projects that are supported by councils. Perhaps the Government could consider a State-backed green loan scheme, which would help us in achieving our goals. We are mindful of addressing them. New Ross is on a journey of trying to facilitate them. For example, a great deal of coach parking is available to us, as the Senator pointed out. Like many towns, we are doing our best to make the town eco-friendly.

I will attend a meeting in New Ross this evening. A new town centre first initiative is being rolled out throughout County Wexford. Many other counties have the same initiative. As part of it, we are considering measures such as pedestrianisation, the movement of people and how they are transported around, the clustering of attractions and facilities for car and coach parking to make the overall experience for everyone that much better.