Successful Cobh & Carrigtwohill visit of Minister Hayes – Stanton

A visit to Cork East Constituency by Minister Brian Hayes on Monday, 18^th July was very successful said David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East. Brian Hayes TD is Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Public Service Reform.

“I was delighted to welcome my Fine Gael colleague, Minister Hayes to Cork East where he had the opportunity to visit a number of locations in Cobh, as well as Fota House and Gardens and Barryscourt Castle.

“Minister Hayes’ visit should prove a further boost to East Cork following the visit of Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD on the 8^th July.  Having visited Cobh, Minister Hogan, last week, agreed an allocation of €200,000 in funding for Cobh Library to carry out refurbishment works. In addition to visiting Cobh, Minister Hogan also went to Fota House and Gardens, Ballintotas and Youghal,” said Deputy Stanton.

“Minister Hayes enjoyed a civic welcome in Cobh Town Hall and engaged with Cobh Town Council members.  He was given a briefing on commemoration plans for the Titanic centenary next year, 2012, and also on plans to refurbish the Titanic wall and pier.  He was also interested in proposals to develop a Titanic garden in Cobh.

“On leaving Cobh, I accompanied Minister Hayes while he visited Fota House and Gardens as the OPW are responsible for Fota Gardens.  He then went on to visit Barryscourt Castle which has been beautifully restored and recently hosted the annual Carrigtwohill medieval festival.

“I am very pleased to have been able to arrange two recent visits to the East Cork area by Government Ministers.  Minister of State for Tourism Michael Ring is also due to visit Cobh, Barryscourt Castle and Youghal on Tuesday, 26^th July.  I would hope that his visit will help boost tourism in the East Cork area,” concluded Deputy Stanton.