Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for joining us and giving us a most informative and open statement. With her collective portfolios she is going to play a vital role in the development of rural Ireland. A couple of the issues I was going to raise today have already been raised. Senators McGreehan and Ó Donnghaile talked about the cross-Border element of tourism. It is a vital element which we need to develop. In conjunction with the new unit being set up in the Taoiseach's office, it is imperative that the Minister, Deputy Martin's Department works in that context. I, too, believe that the Ireland's Ancient East brand should be developed as far as Belfast. The Wild Atlantic Way should also be developed as far as Belfast at the other side. As somebody who lives in the north of the North, I do not think anywhere in the world has the diversity of beauty of the coastline from Belfast around to Belmullet and beyond, with the different beauty spots right along it.Most of it is completely untapped. There is massive potential for tourism development.

Senator Boyhan mentioned our coastline in relation to sailing. There is massive potential for tourism along our coastline. A great deal of emphasis has been placed on tourism, which is a vital indigenous sector, by the Government in recent weeks, including in the July stimulus. Now that there is going to be a review of the national development plan, Ireland 2040, it is imperative that there be a much greater focus on tourism. I propose that the Minister consider the introduction of a national marina plan. It is very well to talk about sailing in Ireland but there are not enough marinas around the coastline. Wherever marinas have been built there is great potential for further infrastructural development, such as hotels and restaurants, and for creating jobs right around the coastline. Sailing is also a green initiative. It has great potential and should be included in the development plan.