Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the midlands tourism strategy and Fáilte Ireland's plans to serve County Roscommon and the east Galway area. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, to the House to discuss the matter. Tourism in the midlands is at a serious juncture. Roscommon and east Galway do not fit into the Wild Atlantic Way or the Ancient East brand. Both of those initiatives have been very successful for their areas but the midlands have been very much neglected and forgotten by Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland's website prominently advertises Ireland's Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, but there is no mention of the midlands.I have been contacted by many in the hospitality sector in County Roscommon who are questioning their membership of Fáilte Ireland as a result of the lack of focus on and support for their business. Tourism will be a key element in the revitalisation of the economies of towns and villages right across the midlands. It has the potential to bring jobs and further revenue to support local businesses. Rathcroghan near Tulsk in County Roscommon, which is rich in ancient tombs and monuments, is the Tara of the west. It has been nominated tentatively for UNESCO world heritage status. It will play a very important role in the further development of tourism in our region. There is an urgent need for a midlands tourism brand to be developed. The midlands has much to offer in terms of tourism. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to develop an evidence-based tourism strategy for the region but we need to see evidence of its implementation. It is about affording the midlands an equal opportunity and a level playing field to attract tourists to our region. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Ross, to the House to discuss the matter.