Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his positive response and for his work and that of his Department in this area. It is key for all Members to work together on this issue. In the context of national policy, it is very important that a new policy for the midlands would fit in and connect with current projects such as Ireland's Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way in terms of attracting more tourism from abroad. These different areas are not competing with each other and need to work together.

As I said, the midlands has its own unique identity and product investment is needed to ensure it is not left behind in the market but gets an equal chance to stand up and fight for increased visitor numbers across its counties. As the Minister noted, it is very important that the Department or other agency that carries out the study meet with local stakeholders such as Westmeath County Council and other promoters in the area such as the promoters of the Hill of Uisneach, which has a huge amount to offer. It is a national treasure but was really starting from scratch and a vast amount of work has gone into its promotion. Its promoters have put their own money into so doing in order to ensure it attracts high visitor numbers. It was great to have the President there to acknowledge that it is a mythological centre and has a long history.

It is also very important that evidence-based studies be carried out. As was pointed out, it was very important that Colliers investigated this issue and considered the market, as a result of which we now know what the market is looking for, which opens up a niche and puts us ahead. There are huge opportunities in the midlands, such as that offered by Center Parcs, which will be a massively positive contribution to the area, or the lakes that anglers have worked very hard to market abroad in order to ensure that the midlands benefits from tourism. We need to ensure that this competitive advantage is maintained. I would welcome evidence-based product investment. I thank the Minister.

See this speech in context