Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

However, the Government can only do so much and each of us is beholden to be an ambassador for our country. We cannot accept a rip-off culture. Hotels and restaurants must offer good value and high standards of food and accommodation

I hope you will forgive me, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, and give me one extra minute so I can extol the virtues and tourism potential of my area, Dún Laoghaire. When I speak of the Dún Laoghaire area, I am talking about Blackrock, Killiney, Glasthule, Sandycove and Dalkey. Yesterday, I attended a briefing on tourism in Dalkey and I was encouraged by the co-operation between Dublin Tourism and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Dún Laoghaire tourism received an unfortunate setback recently with Stena's announcement that it is to cancel the HSS winter service from Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire. I am concerned that little attention has been paid to this issue. I understand the route had become unviable for Stena, particularly in light of rising fuel prices. However, the summer service must be retained so as to promote tourism in Dún Laoghaire. Jobs are also threatened. We must ensure that those jobs are retained so that we can have a summer service and bring tourists into Dún Laoghaire.

Local people are fighting to promote Dún Laoghaire themselves. We know that, as a beautiful harbour town, it really has something unique to offer. There is no point in our trying to compete for shoppers with the likes of Dundrum. The aim is to reposition Dún Laoghaire as a marine and leisure tourist destination. The plan for a diaspora centre is a clever one as it seeks to capitalise on the current public interest in genealogy. As Dún Laoghaire looks to the future, it is important that we are cognisant of our past and our common heritage. It is important, too, to remember the many people who left our shores in search of a better life. Projects such as the planned diaspora centre serve as a reminder that, while times are hard at present, we must work together to build a better Ireland.

The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, the local authority, the business association and the chamber of commerce have done commendable work. We have restored the Metals project and put a new walkway over the DART line. Our National Maritime Museum is undergoing refurbishment. Dalkey Heritage Centre has ongoing events promoting the history and heritage of the area. The Pavilion Theatre is renowned for the high standards of its dramatic and musical performances. The recently launched Dún Laoghaire harbour masterplan has real potential for tourism, including a plan for the establishment of a diaspora centre. Dún Laoghaire harbour wishes to reposition itself as a destination for cruise tourists from around the world and I believe this should be explored. This summer saw numerous successful events and festivals in Dún Laoghaire which attracted international and domestic tourists in their thousands. Examples include the Solitaire du Figaro yacht festival, the third biggest sporting event in France; the Dún Laoghaire Mountains to Sea Book Festival; the Red Bull flugtag, which brought more than 100,000 people into the town; and the first celebration of Bloomsday in Dún Laoghaire town.

One concern, however, is how we can spread the success of such events to local traders and service providers.

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