McLellan Calls On Minister To Help East Cork

Cork-East Sinn Féin Deputy Sandra McLellan has called on the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport to take measures to reverse the decline in tourism in the East Cork area.

Deputy McLellan said other countries that have identified a decline in tourism in key destinations have taken steps to reverse the trend, and asked the Minister if he would be considering such tourist destinations in Ireland, including locations between Youghal and Cork city, to determine what steps can be taken to reverse the decline and make them more vibrant again.

“Will the Minister consider helping those who manage heritage sites in Cork to offer day trips from Cork city to others areas in order to boost the sector? “It is essential that the Midleton to Youghal railway line is reopened for the sake of boosting tourism in East Cork”.

Deputy McLellan asked the Minister if he would work with the Minister for Transport to establish steam train excursions from Youghal to Midleton, beginning with a feasibility study of reopening the line.  Sandra McLellan said the tourism sector in Youghal could form part of a broader strategy to enhance the East Cork economy and increase local employment in the towns of Midleton, Cobh and on to Cork City.