Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today, at the end of January, might be an unusual time to start talking about beaches. As part of a coastal area, beaches are an integral part of our tourism offering. We have a problem with coastal erosion on a large number of our beaches. At the same time, we are also seeing local authorities trying to improve the quality of services that are available.I have raised the issue of Ballymoney beach in north Wexford, where a young man, Mr. Matthew McGrath, has been campaigning for disability access. The tender documents have been signed, so it will become one of the most accessible beaches in the country. The Oireachtas tourism committee, on which I sit, made a number of recommendations last year about rural tourism. One of them was specifically on how to support and enhance our beaches around the country.

Beaches are important as a tourism offering, but we also need to consider the problem of coastal erosion. One of the areas we are seeing the impacts of climate change is in our waters. While it might get a few smiles, we need a debate about our coast and beaches. I ask that the Acting Leader facilitate such a debate with the Minister for tourism, Deputy Catherine Martin, at some stage.