Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for those updates. I look forward to welcoming those extra visits to County Louth now that the cap will be lifted. When it comes to County Louth, I will never shy away from broadcasting and promoting the county. Indeed, as people arrive in Dublin Airport and head to the north east, I have a vision of seeing Drogheda as the welcoming mat for County Louth. Without a shadow of a doubt it is the biggest town in Ireland, followed closely by Dundalk. With its coastal beauty, heritage and historical value, it is a place many tourists would love to come and stay in, and not just visit for the day.

I welcome the Minister’s announcement about the all-island food strategy because ten or 15 years ago, County Cork focused on food producers and people flocked there to try a bit of Clonakilty pudding and all the beautiful delights that county could offer. Indeed, many a weekend has been spent flying back from Italy to head to Cork because it was so deliciously delightful. The same can be said about Connemara. We have wonderful food producers there who have brought tourists to the area. Let us not forget that Louth is no less than any of these counties. We have the Boyne Valley and producers not just of food. We also have distilleries that make whiskey, beer and even gin. We will not be found wanting when it comes to offering hospitality to any visitors that arrive in the county.

I refer to places that do not have a hotel such as Ardee. It has had a town plan - Ardee 2040 - which is hobbling along. Tourism will play a huge role in raising Ardee to its rightful status as an important town in County Louth. I ask the Minister one last time for a specific strategy to help those towns reach their potential.

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