Storm aftermath must not impact on Kerry tourism - Spring

Issued : Monday 17 February, 2014

Labour candidate Graham Spring called for urgent action for key tourism infrastructure in Kerry, in the aftermath of the storm, at the Labour Party conference held over the weekend. Broadcasted live on national television, Graham Spring noted that while tourism has played a role in the recovery in the Irish economy, the recent storms must not be allowed to affect the recent and welcome growth the industry is experiencing in recent years.

"The Labour Party understands the value of the tourism industry and the introduction of initiatives like the reduction of the VAT rate on tourism related services, the Gathering and the suspension of the air travel tax have and will promote the industry. We had 6.7 million tourists visit our shores in 2013, a 7% growth in numbers from the previous year."

"There are two impending threats to the upcoming season in Kerry. The Public Obligation route between Kerry Airport and Dublin must be protected and the infrastructure damage by recent storms must be repaired as soon as possible. It is imperative that no tourist leaves our shores next summer with an image of unrepaired and damaged coastal tourism amenities. I welcome the €70 million allocated to the repair of coastal infrastructure, but additional funds must be made available if necessary."

He also raised the promotion of Greenways by this government and the highly publicised and anticipated "Wild Atlantic Way" and believes that the upward trends in Kerry's tourism must be built upon while momentum is going in the county's  favour.