Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would love to stay to hear the full debate but I must attend a meeting of the Joint Committee on Climate Action that is taking place. I will look back on this debate with great interest.

I will highlight a few specific issues. They include sustainability of the industry, which has been mentioned already, and the quality of employment. Part of recognising and valuing a quality tourism or hospitality sector certainly is ensuring that as a sector, it has clear and known standards. The joint labour committee system has been continuously pushed against, unfortunately, by some of the industry actors but it is the best and most effective way to address issues. We may attempt to address issues piece by piece in legislation here but I note that aspect first.

In terms of sustainable tourism, when people travel abroad one thing they want to do is not simply see what is available to tourists but also to see where inhabitants go and what neighbourhoods are culturally vibrant or lively. Unfortunately, there is not enough joining of the dots on the link between a vibrant cultural infrastructure, that is, the kinds of towns and cities where people can work in the arts or where there are art spaces that are used and are active, and sustainable tourism. While one may have any number of individual festivals, it is beneficial to have neighbourhoods that have a cultural vitality. We know this as it is one of the things that attracts international tourists. People do not always want to go to a tourist-specific event. They want to visit neighbourhoods and communities that have a strong cultural dimension. We have an opportunity for greater links between the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. We must strengthen the cultural vibrancy in communities and there have been real concerns in that area.

I am disappointed that greenways mainly appear in the tourism frame. Greenways are partly about tourism but they also provide a way of life for communities. We should not simply see greenways as a novelty. We must recognise that cycling infrastructure is not simply about tourism. It certainly attracts tourism but also provides meaningful infrastructure, which falls within the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Cycling tourism is undoubtedly a core part of sustainable tourism but cycling infrastructure and the associated culture are what make it really sustainable. I am disappointed that greenways have been framed in a narrow way financially and not linked to the wider increase that we needed in the cycling infrastructure as part of the transport budget.

On the lack of joined-up thinking when it comes to ports, I have advocated in this House previously for the Dublin to Rosslare train line, which is of comparable beauty with any train line anywhere in the world. The Dublin to Rosslare line traverses one of the most beautiful routes but runs very rarely and does not serve commuters in the area. As a result, many commuters who live in the area must drive. In any other country, the line would be treated like the Fort William railway and become a focus for tourists. When I asked questions on how the rail line fits with Rosslare harbour, which I hope will become more important in the future, I was told that there were sail and drive measures. Unfortunately, the sail and rail measures have not been as fully explored and pressed as they should be. A proper rail service is important for the survival of ports. Post Brexit we will need more port links with mainland Europe. A ferry link has been established between Cork harbour and Santander in northern Spain. I apologise if I am incorrect but I believe one cannot travel as a foot passenger on the ferry. If our ports are being redeveloped and there will be an increased emphasis on ports post Brexit, how can we build in spaces for pedestrians, cyclists and a tourism offering? In many cases, the people who avail of a ferry to sail here will be interested in preserving the environment. How can we make sure that these people are presented with public transport and cycle transport options? We must provide attractive sustainable tourism packages available to tourists.

Finally, I apologise that I cannot stay to listen to the rest of the debate but I promise to read the transcript and I look forward to the response of the Minister of State.