Pat The Cope Gallagher MEP
DONEGAL MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has welcomed the publication of a new European Strategy to promote coastal and maritime tourism which he says will help the county.
“This is a welcome initiative by the European Commission as coastal and maritime tourism employs almost 3.2 million people across Europe, generating 183 billion euro to the European economy,” said Mr Gallagher.
“The strategy will support beach based tourism including surfing and water based activities such as boating, yachting, cruising and nautical sports.
“The strategy is vitally important as it seeks to maximise available EU funding for the sector be it through the European Regional Development Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund or the European Social Fund.
“I firmly believe that by maximising EU funding into the tourism sector and coastal regions, it will result in the creation of long term and sustainable jobs in Ireland.
“I am also pleased that the strategy seeks to develop marinas and water based activities as I recently secured an amendment to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to help small fishing ports to diversify their economic activities due to declines in fish landings.
“I now call on the Minister for Tourism to immediately implement the 14 actions contained in the strategy by the European Commission.”
Tags:
