Dáil debates

Thursday, 13 October 2005

3:00 pm

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I welcome the thrust of the Minister's reply and the action he has outlined to ensure that the tourism industry does not suffer following this world famous event. We have seen the figures quoted in magazines and newspapers about the cost of houses and accommodation close to the course. That can be damaging. Keeping a watching brief on this is of utmost importance. I hope that through the various agencies, especially overseas and in the American market, the Minister's remarks today about conducting price analyses of what is provided will be emphasised. Every effort should be made to produce progress reports from the Minister, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland that will appear in golf magazines and tourism brochures outlining the situation and assuring people that there will not be a rip-off.

Not only will the K Club and adjacent golf courses benefit from this, it is an ideal opportunity to create a golf haven. We generally hear that Portugal and Spain are the golf havens of Europe but this tournament provides an opportunity to ensure that Ireland is included in that group. I hope the Minister, his Department and the agencies will do everything possible to promote that concept, especially on the American and European markets from where most of the followers of this event will come. What efforts will be made by the Department and the agencies to develop accommodation and other facilities for this world famous event?

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