Government investment in tourist sites will secure and create jobs

As a proud resident of New Ross I have seen first-hand the importance of investing in tourist sites and facilities to secure and create local employment. Every year, countless tourists and visitors travel to the sunny south east and it is essential that towns like New Ross have something special to offer. That is why I was so pleased this summer to see that the Government has allocated €1.36million for the development of the New Ross Quayside. A similar development in Wexford Town has had a transformative effect and given a huge boost to local retailers, restaurateurs and others.

Another site I am passionate about in New Ross is the Dunbrody Famine Ship. The accompanying Visitor Centre is a great resource for those coming to see the replica Famine Ship in the Quay, which is a focal point for tourism in the town. Significant investment in the Dunbrody Famine Ship has turned it into a fantastic experience. There are now plans to redevelop the Visitor Centre and the Government has committed funding of €1.9 million to the project.

This investment coupled with the money allocated in the Budget this year for development of the Kennedy Homestead provides New Ross with a unique site of interest and history for visitors and tourists.

Of course, the highlight of my summer is always the JFK Dunbrody Festival that I have been involved in organising since it started 10 years ago. This year, over four days, we welcomed Jedward, Crystal Swing, Brian Kennedy and PJ Gallagher among others to a fantastic festival of music, comedy, food and craic. Festivals like these are an ideal way of bringing visitors to our town.

I know that many towns and villages around the country work hard to provide a positive experience for visitors. Many local jobs, particularly in rural areas depend on tourism that is why I have and will continue to work so hard to secure tourism investment for to New Ross.

Crystal Swing at the Dunbrody Festival

Seán Connick and one half of Jedward!

Seán Connick at the JFK memorial in New Ross

Seán Connick is a TD for the Wexford Constituency and is Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.