Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When does the Minister of State expect that decision to be made? The continuing delays in providing a visitor centre in Cashel are depriving the town of much-needed revenue. The business centre of the town has never been able to take full economic advantage of the numbers visiting the town. Typically, when tour buses stop at a popular destination, people on the bus are given a certain amount of time to spend at the relevant attraction. This time usually allows for a visit to an interpretive centre and can be extended to explore the town. If no such centre is available, the tour guides often choose to leave the area, and that is happening in Cashel. The town has an average of 1,000 visitors per day. It is of fundamental importance that it have the services and attractions to allow it to capitalise on this footfall. Local businesses benefit when tourists have the opportunity to linger and discover an area, rather than be whisked away again on buses.

A national tourist attraction of this magnitude requires that all the relevant agencies the Minister of State referred to co-operate with a sense of purpose and urgency to deliver an interpretive centre without further delay. Where exactly are we with that? When does the Minister of State anticipate the steering group will make a recommendation and when will we have a decision?

See this speech in context