Fáilte Ireland slammed for sending overseas visitors on day trips to the West
Cllr Brendan Mulroy highlighted the issue.
A Westport councillor has condemned the practice of tourists being taken on day-trips to Westport before returning to Dublin to stay overnight in the capital.
Cllr Brendan Mulroy told members of Westport Belmullet Municipal District: “Travel companies are bringing people into Dublin, they then go on day-excursions to Westport by train and return to Dublin in the evening.
“Well, if Fáilte Ireland stand over that, I ask, what are they trying to do to the West of Ireland?
"I met two American tourists at the Quay who told me they arrived in the morning and would leave in the evening and said it was not part of their package to stay in Westport. What chance have we if that is tourism promotion in this county, using the train infrastructure to bring people in and then out of this town.”
Director of Services Joanne Grehan said she will raise the matter when she meets with Fáilte Ireland representatives later in the month.
