Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Barry Cowen, has tabled a Dáil Question to the Minister for Tourism, Leo Varadkar seeking clarification regarding the status of the tourist office in Birr.
It has been reported that the office, which operates from May to September, is to be withdrawn.
Deputy Cowen stated: “This office has played and can continue to play a pivotal role in accommodating, promoting and supporting the tourist industry in the region.
“Tourism continues to play an important role in our local economy and any threat to it must be resisted. I will be calling on Minister Varadkar to make a statement on the matter and outline his Government’s commitment to Birr and Offaly from a tourism perspective.
“In recent years we have seen much endeavour and effort by the tourist industry and stakeholders in highlighting attractions in the Midlands region. Any softening of that effort on the part of the Government must and will be challenged,” concluded Deputy Cowen.
