There was criticism during the years that the regional tourism organisation for the mid-west was abolished. During the reorganisation of bodies in the region in 1987 and 1988, the Shannonside Regional Tourism Organisation was dismantled and its functions given to a new body set up by Shannon Development which has never really worked. There has been ongoing lobbying to have the organisation in question re-established, supported mainly by members of Clare County Council, such as Flan Garvey, who has been very involved in cross-Border tourism. The mid-west seems to be the only region that does not have a local development organisation at a time when it is of critical importance in developing the tourism industry that one has available the views and expertise of those involved in the region, some of whom are professionals and have been involved in the business for many years. Many have a keen interest in partnership with Shannon Development, Bord Fáilte and the new tourism development authority, Tourism Ireland, in order to help influence the way the industry develops in their region.