Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to share in the positive vibes wafting through the House in respect of what occurred during the St. Patrick's Day Festival and in subsequent days. I am pleased to report from County Clare that The Gathering is working. I was out and about in Lahinch last evening and the restaurants there were full of Americans who were openly discussing The Gathering. The latter is currently our major tourism initiative and it is going to be our most successful ever. Bright and early this morning eight busloads of Americans departed a beautifully sunny Lahinch to visit the Cliffs of Moher. That is a very positive sign that we are seeing more than just green shoots in terms of tourism. Coupled with our sporting achievements and the phenomenal parades which took place throughout the country, this shows that the fighting Irish spirit is alive and well and that we are being successful in fighting back and regaining control over our country and over the pride that exists in the hearts of its citizens. I am very uplifted and joyful about that.

Everything I have just said relates very well to the discussion on town centres. When tourists visit any city or town, they like to see what is at its centre. Countries throughout Europe are famous for their beautiful plazas and, as we refer to them as Gaeilge, sráideanna. It is awful to see "For Sale" and "To Let" signs on empty buildings in beautiful towns throughout the country that are famous for their history and architecture. What is required in respect of our town centres is action. There is a need for a properly constituted, constructed and targeted tax incentive scheme for our town centres. I refer here to the centres of small and large towns and also those of our cities. We followed the British example of moving shopping centres, etc., out of our towns, which was a mistake. We need to reconsider the position in this regard and take appropriate action.

I understand that a concert is due to be held in the Phoenix Park. In the aftermath of the tragedies which occurred during one of last year's events there, I am surprised this is happening. I am sure proper procedures and precautions have been taken and that there are new health and safety guidelines in place. Will the Leader make time available, if possible, for the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW to come before the House to outline what has been done to ensure that there will be no repeat of what occurred last year?