Time for urgent action to protect Irish tourism
Time for urgent action to protect Irish tourism - The Labour Party
- Rural Ireland needs urgent Government action
Labour’s Tourism Spokesperson George Lawlor TD has called on the Minister for Enterprise and Tourism to urgently intervene following new figures showing a sharp drop in visitors to Ireland. The CSO has confirmed a 10% fall in foreign visitors in May, while tourist spending is down 21% year-on-year. Deputy Lawlor said this sustained decline should be ringing alarm bells across Government, and called for immediate investment in domestic and rural tourism.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“These figures are stark and deeply concerning. Tourism is one of Ireland’s great success stories – it has powered jobs, businesses and growth in every county in the country. But now we are seeing a consistent pattern of decline and the Government appears to be asleep at the wheel. A 10% drop in visitor numbers in May and a 21% fall in tourist spending compared to this time last year is a flashing red light for the sector.
“What is the Minister doing to respond to this? Tourism businesses are struggling with higher costs, staff shortages and squeezed margins. Many of them are based in rural Ireland, where tourism is often the backbone of the local economy. They deserve more than platitudes – they need a proper plan.
“There is action the Minister must take. The Department must increase funding to Fáilte Ireland so that we can grow and strengthen our domestic tourism. That means real investment in home holidays, sustainable tourism, and creative events that will bring people to every corner of the country. It also means a proper national strategy that works in partnership with communities and the industry.
“In addition, our Local Authorities should be properly supported to build strong local tourism plans. That means looking at accommodation availability, signage, heritage attractions, and the potential of arts, sports and eco-tourism. We need a full review of what’s working and what’s not – and a Minister willing to act on it.
“Labour is calling on the Minister for Tourism to publish an urgent response plan to address the drop in visitor numbers, invest in growing domestic tourism, and work with communities to ensure tourism continues to thrive in rural Ireland.”