OVERSEAS tourism alone accounts for a whopping €30 million to the local economy in Carlow and provides 1,020 full-time jobs, according to deputy Pat Deering.
Speaking at a tourism forum in Carlow College last week, deputy Deering highlighted the importance of the industry to the local economy. Revealing figures for the overseas market, the Fine Gael TD stated that domestic visitor numbers and jobs figures are not currently provided, but this sector can account for up to 80% of all tourism business, given the county’s strategic location.
More than 100 people drawn from the tourism industry, community sector and general public gathered in Carlow College to attend the tourism forum. They were joined by Paschal Donohue, the minister for transport, tourism and sport. Deputy Deering had organised the forum to explore the challenges and opportunities facing tourism in Carlow in the years ahead.
Welcoming attendees to the beautiful Cobden Hall, Mgr Caoimhín Ó Neill gave an inspirational talk about tourism in Carlow, both past and present, before presenting the minister with a Carlow GAA jersey.
The audience listened to a number of presentations, including those by Eileen O’Rourke, chief executive of Carlow Tourism; Rachel Doyle of the Arboretum Home and Garden Centre; Alex Durdin Robertson of Huntington Castle and Gardens; and minister Donohue.
Rachel Doyle gave an informative overview of the growth of her business from its first location behind her house to a premises in Carlow and subsequently to a ten-acre site in Leighlinbridge.
Having taken over the running of Huntington Castle and Gardens some six years ago, Alex Durdin Robertson gave an interesting account of the development of his business. Eileen O’Rourke noted the strong growth in tourism at national level over the past two years, with direct spin-off to the industry in the county. Highlighting the proactive role of Carlow County Council over a long number of years, she outlined their commitment to the improvement of the county’s tourism infrastructure.
She hoped that the next round of tourism capital funding in 2016 would address key product gaps in developing and emerging tourism destinations, which in Carlow could include the development of the River Barrow, walking in the Blackstairs Mountains and further development works at the Browneshill Dolmen and key heritage sites.
Minister Paschal Donohue cited Visual as the single most impressive building he had visited since assuming the role of minister for transport, tourism and sport. He was highly complimentary of the other attractions during his sojourn, including Carlow County Museum, Carlow cathedral and Carlow College.