Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The idea of the hub is that even though we all share similarities in terms of our traditions, culture and background, there are unique defining histories in different parts of the country, for example, the 1798 landings in Mayo.

The more we focus on that, and give a depth and a study to it, the more we make it interesting for tourists, and it also reinforces our own sense of identity or pride of place. That is the attraction we have, and the more exploration and supports we have for that, the more interface there will be. We have many experts who know a lot about these things. It is a question of making the information, the knowledge and the appreciation of it more readily available to ourselves and to tourists. This would reinforce our tourism industry going forward as well as safeguarding our cultural heritage.

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