Mayo 'at front and centre' of new national tourism initiative - minister

Tourism Minister Peter Burke has stated that Mayo is at the 'front and centre' of the government's new initiative, A New Era for Irish Tourism.

He said it seeks to increase employment to 250,000 from 228,000, bring domestic revenue up to €5.8 billion annually and bring overseas revenue up to €9 billion.

"This will represent significant growth for the tourism sector and Mayo will be front and centre to that development.

"I look forward to working with Mayo Oireachtas members on a number of capital projects we have in gestation to ensure that we are supporting the key infrastructure there.

"Westport has a huge ability to attract visitors and Westport House is another key area that we can support through government intervention."

Deputy Keira Keogh said Mayo is in the thick of the summer tourism season, despite the rain pummelling down over the past week.

She stated: "County Mayo has really exciting plans from the wild Mayo strategy, which has just been launched for north Mayo and which will hopefully include a new jaw-dropping suspension bridge at Ballycastle that will have a breathtaking view of Downpatrick Head right down to the continuing restoration, reimagining and rewilding at Westport House and gardens.

"Projects like these are absolutely vital to attract tourists and more importantly extend the tourist season.

"We want our visitors to experience word-class facilities when they explore our heritage and nature, such as the accessible Claggan mountain coastal trail that was recently reopened after a fire.

"Tourism is vital for providing jobs in Mayo and we look forward to future capital investments."