7. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for the up-to-date position on the development of a tourism plan for the Muscraí district to include the Gearagh, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50804/25]
Sentiment score: 0.01
I must tell the Minister about this magnificent place, the Gearagh, which is right beside Macroom. It formed after the last Ice Age. It is the remains of a post-glacial alluvial rainforest. It is a magnificent place. Migrating birds have nested there for many generation as they travel north to south and back again. People, whether local or international, may not know it well. We want to bring this wonderfully magnificent place to the attention of more people in order that they can share and enjoy it. Can the Minister provide an outline of what efforts are being made to promote the Gearagh?
Sentiment score: 0.30
I acknowledge the huge work that has been done in developing the west Cork and Kenmare development plan. As part of that, there is work also with Údarás na Gaeltachta on developing the Muscraí plan. Muscraí is very much focused on the Gaeltacht area. There is an amazing offering between food, culture, language, the landscape and so much more. The Gearagh is right on the edge of this; it is not the central focus of that plan. It is an amazing nugget on a corridor between the large population centre in Cork, the airport and right out to the Wild Atlantic Way. It is almost slipping between two stools. Can some effort can be made to bring the Gearagh to the fore and to get greater awareness of it?
Sentiment score: 0.29
The proposal to meet with Fáilte Ireland is both positive and one we should take up. There are a number of stakeholders involved. Having ESB, which is the landowner, participating in such a meeting would be very important, particularly as it owns the Gearagh area, which is part of the Lee reservoir. While they have done some work on bird hides, walkways, etc., many feel that there is a lack of energy or interest on the part of the ESB in advancing and promoting the Gearagh. There is limited signage on site for interpreting what is there and limited car parking. Many locals and stakeholders would also feel that there is limited interest on the company's part. It would be important to engage with or energise the ESB, given that it owns the land. Even if it was not interested in continuing at the site, there is a possibility of transferring the land to a body like the NPWS while allowing the ESB to continue as the authority for operating the reservoir.
Sentiment score: 0.28
16. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to consider supporting producers of pig products impacted by Chinese tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50805/25]
Sentiment score: 0.15
China is the sixth largest destination for our agrifood exports, worth over €613 million, and pigmeat is a huge part of that trade, at €102 million last year. The imposition by China recently of what it considers anti-dumping tariffs will really challenge that trade. What efforts are being made to end those tariffs?
Sentiment score: 0.22
These tariffs are a huge burden on the export of pig products to China. Two obvious supports are needed: first, the ending of the tariff and allowing free trade and, second, alternative markets. It is reasonable to expect that China will build its own pigmeat businesses and will be able to satisfy its own market more in the years ahead. What particular efforts are being made to find alternative markets for Irish pig product across any other parts of the globe, whether South America, North America or wherever else?
Sentiment score: 0.25
To return to the earlier question, this relates to the efforts to end the tariff and to reopen the opportunity for trade. I understand this investigation has been ongoing for some time, with the expectation of an outcome later this year, or possibly by the end of the year. Is there any evidence emerging of dumping going on? Where do things stand at the moment on this? I know that it was raised by the agriculture Minister at the recent AGRIFISH meeting as well with his EU colleagues. Is there any evidence, or is there a risk, that this tariff could continue long-term, or what efforts are being made to ensure that it would be ended?
Sentiment score: 0.08