Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has said the continued strength of the tourism sector will greatly benefit the North County, particularly in terms of supporting small businesses and jobs in our local economy.
“CSO figures have shown that the number of overseas visits to Ireland between December 2015 and February 2016 was 17.1% greater than in the corresponding period last year. With the presence of Dublin Airport in the constituency, Dublin Fingal will undoubtedly benefit from this increase in the number of visitors coming to Ireland.
“The number of visitors coming from Britain increased by 21.2%, from North America by 13%, from Mainland Europe by 14.4%, and from the rest of the world by 8.8%.
“The on-going growth in tourism shows that the policy implemented by Fine Gael in government to promote tourism as a catalyst of economic growth is continuing to work. Given the proximity of the Airport, and the great tourist attractions in the North County, including our blue flag beaches, heritage properties including Malahide Castle, Ardgillan and Newbridge, with the Fry Model Collection coming to Malahide and the development of the Swords Castle Cultural and Civic Quarter project, I am sure that the North County will continue to benefit from increasing tourism numbers into the future.
“For the first time ever, more than one million visitors have come to Ireland in the first two months of the year. Such high visitor numbers will continue to support small businesses and job creation in our local community in Dublin Fingal, and across the country.”