David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber for the introduction of this Bill. We fully support these proposals. Since being elected to the Seanad, I have always worn a regional hat. As a representative of the south east, I have promoted the positives associated with the region while also challenging the Government on the difficulties it faces. Unfortunately, the south east has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Last year, I undertook work on behalf of the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to devise an economic development strategy for the region. This involved visiting every county in the south east and meeting with stakeholders from enterprise groups, city and county managers, councillors, VECs, representatives of the institutes of technology, business groups, entrepreneurs and so on. It was interesting to note that the two areas in which almost everybody agreed the south east could become a world leader were agribusiness and tourism. It was noted, too, that there was scope to combine the two for the benefit of people living in the region.

In regard to tourism, work is ongoing to brand the south east as a regional destination, which includes promoting the tourism triangle of Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford. We hope this collective offering will add value and attract more visitors to the region. A recent welcome development has been the opening of the new Waterford Crystal facility in the centre of Waterford city, in the wake of the disaster that was the closing of the plant in Kilbarry. In a similar vein to what we are discussing today, I draw the Minister's attention to Mount Congreve Gardens, a gem at the heart of the region. There have been difficulties with the facility in recent years to do with the trust that was established to run it. The Office of Public Works is involved in trying to resolve that issue and turn the amenity into a visitor attraction that can be of huge value to the region. It is one of the most impressive gardens in the world and I would encourage everybody to visit it when it reopens.

The proposals in regard to Johnstown Castle are welcome. It is great to see that when the State is gifted land and property of this significance, scale and beauty, we do something constructive with it. We all look forward to the advancement of these provisions. The only caveat I attach to my support is that I would hate to see the castle and grounds being sold off at a future date to a private developer. I very much hope it will remain in public ownership. I realise that any such sale is not the Minister's intention, but it is vital that this amenity remains in State hands in the years ahead. I acknowledge and appreciate, of course, that there is a cost involved in implementing these proposals. This is a good initiative that links in very well with the overall strategy for the south east, which is focusing on agribusiness and tourism. If this project attracts more visitors to Wexford and the rest of the region, it is good for all concerned.