Laois TD says county ‘overlooked’ despite key visitor attractions
The Rock of Dunamase is one of the county's top tourist attractions
LAOIS TD Willie Aird has called for increased investment in tourism infrastructure in rural counties, saying Laois has “enormous tourism potential” that is not being fully realised.
Speaking during statements in the Dáil on tourism, the Fine Gael TD highlighted visitor numbers at key attractions throughout Laois and argued that a more balanced investment pathway across both urban and rural centres is needed to support the sector.
He said: “I welcome the opportunity to speak on the importance of tourism to our economy, our communities and our national identity. Tourism remains one of the most important and significant industries, supporting employment, enterprise and regional development in every county.” He pointed to Emo Court and the Rock of Dunamase as examples of strong performing sites in Laois, highlighting that Emo Court attracted over 300,00 visitors last year, while the ‘rock’ received over 40,000. Deputy Aird said Laois and the midlands have been overlooked for too long in national tourism planning and warned that infrastructure gaps are holding back further growth.
“Tourism does not happen by accident. It needs investment in infrastructure, walking and cycling routes, heritage conservation and destination development.” In addition, Mr Aird highlighted the absence of a greenway in the county, describing it as a serious disadvantage given the growth in outdoor recreation tourism and said that he was throwing his full weight behind an existing proposal to make a former Bord na Móna rail corridor into Laois’ iteration of the greenway.
“There is real potential in the old Bord na Móna rail corridor from Cashel bog through Togher Woods and over to Ross bog,” he said. “The corridor exists in its entirety… it is all there, ready to go if we get the funding.” In response the Minister for Tourism highlighted that the government was aiming to increase tourism jobs to 25000 under a new strategy that would include the strengthening of regional growth.
Deputy Aird said any national growth in tourism must be matched by investment in rural areas.
“If we want counties like Laois to reach their potential, we must be fair in how national tourism funding is delivered.”
