Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, is encouraged by the continued growth of tourism in the first quarter of 2015 which he said will provide a boost to the local economy.
“I am delighted by recent figures released by the CSO which show that the number of overseas visitors is continuing to grow. The number of visits to Ireland between January and March 2015 has increased by 14.1% in comparison with the corresponding period in 2014.
“In the three month period from January to March, overseas visits rose to over 1.5 million with an increase of 17.6% in trips from mainland Europe, and tourist numbers from North America rising by 7% compared with the same period in 2014. In fact, 10% of Americans who visit Europe come to Ireland. Such levels of growth in the number of overseas visitors will provide a boost to the local economy in Dublin Fingal.
“Last month, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, launched the new tourism policy ‘People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025’ which reiterates the Government’s commitment to growing tourism as part of its overall economic strategy. Increasing levels of tourism in Ireland, and in the North County, will further support the future growth of local businesses and help to increase levels of job creation across the constituency.
“The vast majority of visitors to our country enter via Dublin Airport, thus securing jobs within the Airlines and ancillary services within the airport complex. These jobs are vital to the Fingal and greater Dublin economy and provide an enormous boost to our national coffers.
“Dublin Fingal is home to many scenic destinations and tourist attractions including the Fry Model Collection which will be coming to Malahide soon, heritage properties like Malahide Castle, Newbridge and Ardgillan and Blue Flag beaches such as those in Donabate, Portrane, Portmarnock and Skerries. With attractions like these, and the presence of Dublin Airport in the North County, communities in Dublin Fingal will undoubtedly benefit from any increase in the number of overseas visitors.”