Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the Minister's reference to planned exhibitions and the potential for developing the arts. There is also potential for the development of sports and tourism initiatives. There is an opportunity to invite people to come to the country at a time when we are encouraging members of the Diaspora to visit. We should do this at an international and local level. The people of Clontarf are up for this game and want to get involved. A lovely event has been planned for 9 June, the Clontarf Viking Festival, to be held in the Clontarf yacht and boat club beside the wooden bridge at the Bull Wall. There are ideas to be developed, but the Minister did not answer the question. Will he meet the people on the ground who want to develop them? He says he is looking for ideas for an economic stimulus and job creation in arts and tourism; this is a great one.

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