Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, for taking this matter on the Adjournment. It relates to the opening of Athenry medieval castle for the use and benefit of the people of Athenry who want to host a social evening at the castle to mark a twinning event in the town on Thursday, 15 August 2013.

Athenry tourism committee has been working extremely hard since its inception to revive the tourism industry in Athenry. At a time when many commercial units have closed and unemployment has increased, I like to see its verve and enthusiasm for this type of project in order that it can encourage people to visit the historical and medieval town. The committee has gone to great lengths to revive tourism in the area. This would be a welcome departure for the town which has suffered badly.

On 15 August 2013, Athenry is twinning with the Canadian town, Renews, in Newfoundland, the home town of the Canadian ambassador, Mr. Loyola Hearn. Much work has gone into the project to bring it to fruition. I have been involved with the committee. The list of dignitaries on the day will include the Canadian ambassador and his wife, Mrs. Maureen Hearn, Pete St. John, the songwriter who wrote the "The Fields of Athenry", Dr. Hadyn James of the Welsh Rugby Choir, Mr. Don McNeil, chairperson of the Ulster Canada initiative, Mr. Michael Blanch, chairperson of the Commemoration of Irish Famine Victims, members of the county council, local representatives and members of the community. It is intended to have a live link-up with the residents in Renews, and it is widely felt by the committee and members of the community in Athenry that it is necessary to show off the very best of what Athenry has to offer as a means of stimulating further tourism and economic activity.

Athenry is a medieval town with a medieval castle but it has not been used previously on such occasions. The tourism committee considers that a medieval style banquet to cater for approximately 50 people would augur well and that the castle would be the ideal venue for this momentous occasion. It is the first time that Athenry has been twinned with a town outside Europe and it is a big deal. That we have the support of the Canadian ambassador is welcome. As I have stated, there is no question of food being prepared in the castle but merely brought in by outside caterers. Therefore, there should be no difficulty with health and safety or environmental issues. On that basis the committee has asked me to raise the matter in the House because it feels the event should take place in the castle.

I welcome the opportunity to put the matter to the House and look forward to the Minister of State's reply.