Politics: Laois TDs raise concerns over tourism investment, farming supports and Israeli trade - Laois Today
Two Laois TDs have used recent Dáil and committee debates to highlight a range of issues affecting the county and beyond, from tourism development and agriculture funding to Ireland's trade relationship with Israeli-occupied territories.
Two Laois TDs have used recent Dáil and committee debates to highlight a range of issues affecting the county and beyond, from tourism development and agriculture funding to Ireland’s trade relationship with Israeli-occupied territories. Aird says Laois tourism potential is being overlookedFine Gael TD Willie Aird has called for greater investment in tourism infrastructure, arguing that counties like Laois are not receiving their fair share of national tourism funding. Speaking during a Dáil debate on tourism, Deputy Aird pointed to the success of attractions such as Emo Court and the Rock of Dunamase as evidence of the county’s untapped potential. “We have Emo Court, which attracted over 300,000 visitors last year, and the Rock of Dunamase, which had over 40,000 visitors,” he said. “These figures show what is possible when the product is supported. ”The Laois TD argued that tourism growth does not happen by chance and requires continued investment in infrastructure, heritage projects, walking trails and cycling routes. He also highlighted the absence of a greenway in Laois, describing it as a major disadvantage as outdoor tourism continues to grow. Deputy Aird again backed his proposed “O’Moore Way” project, which would utilise a former Bord na Móna rail corridor stretching from Cashel Bog through Togher Woods to Ross Bog. “There is real potential in the old Bord na Móna rail corridor,” he said. “The corridor exists in its entirety. It is all there, ready to go if we get the funding. ”Agriculture budget concernsThe Fine Gael TD also raised concerns about speculation that agriculture funding could be reduced as part of future Government budget negotiations. Speaking at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, Deputy Aird said farmers are already facing significant challenges, including falling cattle prices, pressure on milk prices and difficulties within the tillage sector. “We are at a very difficult time for agriculture,” he said. “The last thing farmers need now is uncertainty around their supports or any suggestion that the agriculture budget could be reduced. ”Minister of State Martin Heydon moved to reassure the committee, stating that there would be no reduction in this year’s agriculture budget and that he intended to secure similar funding levels for 2027. Deputy Aird also stressed that all available agricultural funding should be fully spent. “We have €85 million available and my message is very clear: do not send any of that money back,” he said. Stanley calls for stronger action against IsraelMeanwhile, Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley used a Dáil debate on the Occupied Territories Bill to call for a complete ban on trade with Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. Deputy Stanley said people in Laois and across Ireland were increasingly frustrated by what he described as the international response to the conflict in Gaza and the wider region. He argued that Ireland should prohibit all trade in both goods and services originating from occupied territories. “There should be no dancing around that and no ifs or buts,” he said. The Laois TD also called on the Government to use Ireland’s future EU Presidency to push for broader sanctions and to seek the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement. Mr Stanley claimed that while Ireland and the European Union had moved quickly to impose sanctions on Russia, similar measures had not been applied in relation to Israel. He said public support for stronger action continues to grow and urged the Government to move beyond what he described as years of delay. “People are angry and people want action,” he said. The contributions came during separate debates in the Dáil and Oireachtas committees as politicians continue to raise issues ranging from local infrastructure and farming supports to international affairs.