Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply, but it is disappointing. I urge the bodies involved, the NRA, the local authorities and the Department, to recognise this is a serious issue. There are many good plans for the development of the tourism product in Adare. Recently, a heritage destination strategic plan was launched by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, for Adare and it will establish the town as a leading heritage and cultural destination in County Limerick and the Shannon region, drawing on the inherent assets within the village and the wider area.

I contend that one of the limiting factors regarding the development of tourism in Adare is the fact there is a consistently high level of traffic going through Adare and that there is a constant tailback, particularly at busy times. The vision statement on the heritage destination plan states there is absolute determination, despite the difficulties experienced with implementing the plans for the bypass, that by 2018 Adare will become a "must see" destination, with a strong reputation among local, national and international visitors for delivering high quality heritage accommodation, retail activity and catering packages. By 2018, Adare will also act as a tourism hub from which visitors will be encouraged to explore the wider County Limerick and Shannon region through a series of touring trails, high quality information and imagery and joint packaging with other key assets, attractions and activities.

We are asking that everything be put in place to support this ambitious and viable plan. The basic product exists in Adare and the removal of heavy traffic from the village would provide serious support and assistance for the plan.

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