Extra Irish landmarks due to go green this year
Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has urged the Government to considering ‘greening’ as many buildings are possible at home for St Patrick’s Day, when so many famous landmarks overseas are going green for our national holiday. Deputy O’Donovan raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD.
“Thanks to the ‘Global Greening’ initiative from Tourism Ireland, some of the world’s best known buildings and landmarks will be going green again this year to mark St Patrick’s Day. The Pyramids, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Sydney Opera House and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are among those that will be basking in green light next month.
“It’s quite a feat of marketing for such a small nation to convince authorities across the world to turn their own national landmarks green, and it’s a great way to remind the world about Ireland on our patron saint’s day. And I think we should be putting just as much effort into turning landmarks at home green this year.
“As part of the St Patrick’s Festival, a greening programme is being organised for some of Dublin’s major landmarks, including Trinity College, Bank of Ireland on College Green, and Christchurch Cathedral. I am glad to hear from Minister Varadkar that he is working with Minister of State, Brian Hayes, to encourage a wider programme of greening of public buildings at home this year.
“This is particularly important considering the Gathering is in full swing, and we are trying to attract as many tourists as possible to these shores in the coming months. Local authorities, bus and rail companies and airports have been invited to green prominent buildings in their care and the Gathering Team is disseminating the concept through their network across the country. A number of high profile buildings have already been confirmed and an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
“Turning more buildings green at home will help to further boost visitor numbers, and I am delighted that the Government is extending the initiative this year.”
Please see below the Parliamentary Question submitted and the response received by Deputy O’Donovan.
Dáil Question
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the buildings/structures that are due to take part in the greening initiative in the various different cities around the world as well as those in this country owned by the State as part of the St. Patrick’s Day programme for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. Ref No: 8245/13
Dáil Question
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of consultation that has taken place with the office of Public Works in relation to broadening the greening initiative for the St. Patrick’s Day programme for this year to other public buildings, including State and Government buildings such as Dáil Éireann and the Department of an Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. Ref No: 8373/13
Dáil Question
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events (details supplied) on St Patrick’s day to promote Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. (This is where famous buildings are turned green for St Patrick’s day – the Pyramids and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro are amongst a large number of such international landmarks going green). Ref No: 8400/13
Dáil Question
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events on St. Patrick’s Day to promote tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. (This is where famous buildings are turned green for St Patrick’s day – the Pyramids and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro are amongst a large number of such international landmarks going green). Ref No: 8618/13
Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar
REPLY
Tourism Ireland recently publicised details of their 2013 “Global Greening” initiative. The initiative helps to create a supportive backdrop against which Tourism Ireland can run its targeted marketing programmes. Among the landmarks going green this year are the Pyramids of Giza, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Sydney Opera House and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I also understand that the St. Patrick’s Festival Company will again organise a greening programme for some landmark venues in Dublin, such as Trinity College, Bank of Ireland on College Green, and Christchurch Cathedral.
Given that 2013 is the year of The Gathering, I am, in conjunction with Minister of State Brian Hayes,encouraging a wider programme of “greening” of public buildings at home. This will help to publicise the Gathering and enhance the visitor experience for those visiting the country during the period around the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. I have also invited my Ministerial colleagues, the local authorities, bus and rail companies and airports to green prominent buildings in their care and the Gathering Team are disseminating the concept through their network across the country. A number of high profile buildings have been confirmed already and, together with Minister of State Hayes, I hope to make an announcement on the subject over the coming weeks.
In relation to alcohol sponsorship, I understand that the St. Patrick’s Festival Company, which organises the national parade and related events in Dublin, has a policy of not seeking sponsorship from the alcohol sector.