Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Sustainable low-impact activities, such as that Waterford greenway, provide a high return and show the potential to bring economic activity to local communities such as Kilmacthomas. A week ago, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 got amazing support in this House. It will establish a legally binding framework for clear targets and commitments set out in law to ensure we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term. Every sector needs to play its part.

I am confident that our tourism sector will be a strong participant in achieving these legally binding targets. Ireland's commitment to pursue a climate-neutral economy will help us to realise the ambition that we spoke about earlier to become the world leader in sustainable tourism practices. These objectives are consistent with the EU climate ambition and the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Ireland has the reputation for being the Emerald Isle internationally. Sustaining and nurturing this real green image through the adoption of sustainable tourism practices is an important underpinning for the recovery and future tourism growth.

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