James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I seek a debate on tourism and ask the Leader to indicate when statements on the subject will be held in the House. I do so in the light of the focus which will be placed next week on the St. Patrick's Day Festival and tourism in job creation in Ireland. I note the global Irish economic forum held at Farmleigh House laid great emphasis and a focus on this issue. Consequently, I look forward to a report in this regard being issued next week. Last Tuesday I attended a Drogheda & District Chamber of Commerce event, at which the subject of conversation was specific events such as the St. Patrick's Day Festival. This is the reason it is absolutely essential for Members to focus on tourism and its future because the sector will be critical in achieving short-term economic growth in specific areas, including, in particular, my native region of the north east.

Many ideas were raised at the meeting last Tuesday. One simple suggestion was that walkways could be erected on either side of the Boyne Viaduct Bridge for a small capital investment. People have travelled the world to visit Sydney Harbour Bridge and paid serious money to see the views therefrom. Were one able to use the Boyne Viaduct Bridge in this manner, one could enjoy views across the great landscape of the north east, which could be great. Others measures that could be taken include turning the vacant Tholsel building into a tourism office. In addition, a marketing campaign for the north east will be critical. I look forward to the Leader's facilitation of such a debate, as Members must take a lead on the issue.