Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’ Donovan has welcomed the announcement by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, that Limerick International Fashion and Design Weeks 2013, Limerick City: Weekend of Welcomes and the Gathering Race Meeting and Concert in Limerick has received funding for Gathering events and activities.
“I am delighted with today’s announcement that funding has been allocated to three Gathering events and activities in Limerick. 2013 is shaping up to be a big year in tourism for this country and with today’s announcement of €2 million in funding for Gathering activities nationwide, people right across Limerick can get involved and encourage friends and family living abroad to come home and celebrate these fun-filled events.
“A total of 1,322 funded events, made up of 82 county flagship events and 1,240 local community events, are due to take place across the country in 2013, marking one of the biggest tourism events to take place in Ireland in recent times.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to not only reunite with friends and family living abroad, but to show the world that Ireland is a fantastic place to visit, with something for every type of tourist. Tourism is a vitally important growth sector and it is important that everyone comes together to support this initiative as much as possible.
“I would like to congratulate Minister Ring and Minister Varadkar for their hard work and dedication in bringing this innovative project to fruition. 2013 kicked off with a bang on New Year’s Eve and I’m looking forward to seeing families and friends reunite at Gathering events across the country throughout the year.”