This article is from page 8 of the 2006-03-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
FROM Kilrush to the White House, Ennistymon to Toronto, Kilmaley to Scandinavia, Clare’s TDs and Senators will travel the globe this St Patrick’s weekend.
Minister of State Síle de Valera will be promoting tourism in Ireland when she represents the government in Toronto. Canada was one of the fastest growing markets for the island of Ireland in 2004.
At the Chamber of Commerce Ball last Friday night, the minister said she would ensure that Canada was aware of the attractions of Clare and the easy access to the county through Shannon Airport. The junior minister will also attend the Grand Marshal’s Ball and traditional St Patrick’s Day events.
Ministerial Colleague Tony Killeen will have to wrap up well as he visits the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden on government business.
Minister Killeen will visit Oslo and Stockholm where he will meet with prominent business representatives to promote the expansion of trade links.
He will be a guest of honour at an Enterprise Ireland reception in Stockholm for senior trade and tourism representatives. Sweden is Ireland’s thirteenth largest trading partner. Total trade in 2004 was worth €1.63 billion.
2004 was a record year for tourism to Ireland from Norway. Tourism Ireland figures suggest a 60 per cent increase to well over 30,000 visitors, and the numbers continue to grow in the course of 2005.
Opposition TDs Deputies Pat Breen (FF) and James Breen (Ind) will be staying closer to home this festive weekend.
Deputy James Breen told The Clare People he will be taking part in a sponsored walk in Kilmaley during the national holiday.
Deputy Pat Breen said he is looking forward to spending time with his family before venturing out to enjoy the parade and open the Ennistymon food festival.
The county’s two senators will also be enjoying two totally different St Patrick Day parades.
While Senator Timmy Dooley will be spending time in the White House, Senator Brendan Daly will be staying closer to home to enjoy the parades in Ennis and Kilrush.
Senator Dooley will spend St Patrick’s Day at the White House where he will meet with Congressmen and Senators to discuss the Kennedy McCain Bill, which proposes to legalise undocumented Irish in the USA.
The Fianna Fail Senator will then fly to Memphis, Tennessee to be grand marshal at the local parade on Saturday.
He pointed out that he was travelling at his own expense.