I met with Mr. Robert Atkins, MP, Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, to consider tourism issues at the meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference last March. We agreed that cross-Border co-operation in this area could result in considerable mutual economic and community benefit. It is the policy of this Government that co-operation should be directed in particular towards activities and markets which generate new business, and should be mutually advantageous to both North and South.
The relevant tourism authorities, North and South, are currently working jointly on a number of tourism developments including the development of an all-Ireland computerised reservations system, the restoration and marketing of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal and the development of the north-west passage — a new touring route between Dublin and the north west.
Since our March meeting, I have asked Bord Fáilte to examine in addition, the feasibility of further cross-Border initiatives in marketing and development of all-Ireland guide books and trails, and I have asked CERT to pursue areas for further training co-operation. I hope to review progress again with Minister Atkins before year end.