Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has again called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide specific financial aid for the tourism and hospitality sector in the border region due to the adverse impacts of Brexit.
Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “There is a heavy reliance in the sector in the border region on business from Northern Ireland and Britain and there will be particular challenges arising from Brexit.
“While the Minister has outlined the contingency plans for Brexit I believe there is a lack of preparedness and uncertainty for businesses in the event of a no deal Brexit.
“In the Cavan-Monaghan region over the past 25 years there has been a very welcome and major investment in tourism and hospitality facilities adding considerably to the tourism product in this region and attracting visitors. Understandably we have a heavy reliance on visitors and business from Northern Ireland and Britain and of course this is the business that will be most impacted by Brexit.
“The tourism and hospitality sector is an extremely important employer in rural communities and government must show urgency in working with the industry and ensuring that the necessary financial supports are put in place to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.
“Already there has been a decline in business from our neighbouring areas and it is important that the government attaches urgency in supporting the sector through these difficulties,” concluded Deputy Smith.
*Note: Please see parliamentary question response attached.