Dáil debates

Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Tourism Industry: Motion (Resumed)

 

7:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

Considering the range of subjects covered under tourism, what we are really talking about is how one markets one's country so that others will wish to visit. In terms of sports, history or literature, we have everything. We are a small but unique country. If one goes to far-flung places like China and mentions Ireland, people know it for several reasons. The first thing people know about Ireland is Joyce, the second is Roy Keane and the third is Blarney. As a brand, Blarney is known throughout the world but despite this, its connection with Ireland, and the unique quality it holds in the psyche of people, it has been badly served by Fáilte Ireland. People in Blarney want to know how much marketing goes into areas abroad. This applies particularly to the United States and England, our natural markets. One needs several elements and Blarney has them in abundance. One needs a product to sell and a brand that is known. I have seen people fight tooth and nail in court cases in order to retain a name or brand because they recognise the value of the brand and what it takes to put a brand in place.

There is one tourist office in Blarney, which is sufficient. The person who works there for 14 weeks of the year is extraordinarily helpful and is commended by everyone who uses the service. The Minister heard me right, the office is open for 14 weeks of the year. The days when people travelled only during the summer are long gone. People now travel more during off-peak periods than during peak periods yet the tourist office in Blarney, one of our biggest marketing tools abroad, is open for 14 weeks. It Fáilte Ireland could, it would hand it over to the local community because it does not think it can sustain the office.

I was more than surprised when the people in the area came together and asked their public representatives to meet to ask how to ensure the tourism industry will continue in the Blarney area. That is very sad and I could not believe when they told me the tourist office was under threat and is only open for 14 weeks of the year. That was astonishing. The brand, the product and the unique village, with a village square and all that goes with it, is in place. As far as those promoting the village are aware, Fáilte Ireland representatives have never visited the area. These people asked me to extend an invitation to the Minister to visit the area and see what is on offer. Perhaps she will be able to persuade Fáilte Ireland to promote it.

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