MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has told local authorities and the national tourism authorities to redouble their efforts in order to assist the tourism industry in working through their current difficulties. Pat the Cope Gallagher was speaking at the opening of the National Tourism Conference, Tourism in Recessionary Times, organised by the Clare Tourist Council and in conjunction with Clare County Council, which was held in Ennistymon last weekend. During a hard-hitting address, Pat the Cope did not pull any punches regarding Ireland’s performance in the UK market in the past five years, which has seen visitor numbers from the UK plummet from 3.8 million in 2007 to 2.7m in 2012. “The real action in tourism is overseas business and our greatest problem is the poor performance in the UK which accounts for 40% of our overseas visitor numbers. “We need a very focused and aggressive marketing campaign in the UK to commence with immediate effect. Both Tourism Ireland and …

Fáilte Ireland has said that it is working with Shannon Development on plans for tourism in the Mid-West this year to ensure continuity and pursue growth in markets overseas. The priorities for tourism in 2012 were outlined by Fáilte Ireland at its annual tourism industry briefing for the Shannon Region, which was held in Limerick on Wednesday.

PORTUMNA Golf Club celebrated the first event of its Centenary Year with the captain’s and president’s drive-in last Sunday. This is a very special year for the club and the committee has organised a series of events throughout 2013.

PLANS to extend the M18 from Gort to Tuam, which it is hoped will begin next year, drove forward this week with funding of €4.5 million granted for “preparatory works” on the project.

In one of the most exciting finishes ever seen at Limerick Greyhound Racing Stadium, the Quilty-owned and trained Jacksies Roar kept his unbeaten record intact last Saturday night.

THE “biggest threat” to face community-led local development in the county is how government plans for reform has been described by the chairman of the Clare Local Development Company (CLDP).

Tubber trainer Grainne O’Connor was among the winners at Thurles last Thursday where her 10/1 shot Sherika ran out a clear cut winner of the two and three-quarter mile Leugh Handicap Hurdle.

APPOINTING a new CEO and board, increasing passenger numbers, reducing costs, developing an International Aviation Services Centre and developing Shannon’s wider property portfolio are all important challenges, as is getting support from the public and business, according to Rose Hynes.