Mayo appeal for action on future tourism accommodation needs

A Mayo Oireachtas member has called on the government to give serious consideration to increasing tourism accommodation facilities.

Senator Lisa Chambers said plans need to be made to protect the industry going forward.

She elaborated: "We should start thinking now about next year and the year after.

"Ultimately, in rural areas in particular, many people pay the bills and put food on the table whose livelihoods are made from the hospitality sector, whether it is a small souvenir shop, a coffee shop, a pub or a restaurant.

"If tourists are not coming into the accommodation in an area, it will have a knock-on impact on smaller businesses.

"We need to hear about the plans the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, has for the tourist sector for next year and the year after.

"We appreciate that we need to do our best this year and help people, but we also need to see a plan in place for future years to ensure that the businesses to which I refer are protected."