Kelly calls for review of Mid-West tourism

A REVIEW of tourism development and promotion in the Mid-West is needed to increase the economic spin-offs of visitor attractions throughout the region, according to newly elected Minister of State Alan Kelly.

Deputy Kelly, who was appointed Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport on Thursday, prefaced his comments by paying tribute to public servants in Tourism Ireland and Shannon Development for their work promoting the region.
However, the deputy, from North Tipperary, believes new measures are needed to increase the amount of visitors travelling into the Mid-West from Shannon Airport and the other two main State airports, Cork and Dublin.
He pledged to use his influence to get the Government to examine the merits of having an overall lead agency to develop tourism in the region amid growing concerns about the multiplicity of bodies involved in the management of natural tourism assets such as Lough Derg.
While the Mid-West is blessed with great visitor attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty in Clare and Lough Derg, which spans both Clare and North Tipperary, Deputy Kelly stressed more work needs to be done to increase the length of stay of visitors throughout the region.
The 35-year-old father of one, who was born near the Lookout viewing point just a stone’s throw from Ballina village, is well placed to appreciate the importance of tourism in the region.
He worked as a SIPTU union representative for Bord Fáilte/Fáilte Ireland from 2001-2007 and helped negotiate the creation of Tourism Ireland and the transfer of Bord Fáilte staff.
He was also involved in the negotiations involving the merger of Bord Fáilte and Cert into Tourism Ireland and the integration of the regional tourism authorities into Fáilte Ireland.
“I believe the potential of natural attractions like Lough Derg hasn’t been fully realised. Activities such as angling, boating and leisure activities on the lake need constant promotion to a wider audience to increase visitor numbers.
“I can’t make any promises concerning increased funding for tourism promotion but we need to ensure that we are getting the best out of current expenditure,” he said.
It is understood that Deputy Kelly is the first MEP and deputy to be elected from the Portroe parish.
His elevation to Minister of State is a remarkable achievement for a first-time TD, whose meteoric rise has caught the eye of political observers as a politician with real potential.
He was first elected as a senator to the Agricultural Panel in 2007 and remained there until June 8, 2009 when he was elected as an MEP in the South constituency replacing high-profile Independent, Kathy Sinnott.
He was selected as a full member of the Internal Market/Consumer Affairs Committee and the US delegation and as a substitute member of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, the Petitions Committee and the Iceland, Norway and Switzerland Delegation.
Speaking to The Clare Champion, he said he was delighted to be given an opportunity to serve in such a big portfolio, which provided great scope for promoting new ideas and developments.
Asked if any assurances were given by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore before he decided to enter the race for Dáil Eireann in North Tipperary, Deputy Kelly stressed this was not the way either of them did business.
“I believe that I got this job on merit and would hope it is due to the work I have done over the last few years. I also hope that I will be able to do my best for everyone in the Mid-West in Government and already, all deputies are putting their shoulder to the wheel to revitalise the economy and create badly needed jobs,” he said.