Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has called on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to consider turning public buildings green next year for St Patrick's Day.

Deputy O'Donovan said turning Leinster House and other major buildings green could be used as part of a tourism marketing drive.

"Some of the world's best known buildings will go green this Saturday as part of Tourism Ireland’s 2012 global greening initiative for St Patrick's Day. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to City Hall in San Francisco and even Niagra Falls – a whole host of international sites will be bathed in shades of green in a move that will get the world thinking of Ireland on March 17th.

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"The go-green idea is a great way to raise Ireland’s profile. But I don’t think we should limit the initiative to foreign shores. Why not turn our own major public buildings green too? I am encouraging the OPW to consider turning buildings like Leinster House green for St Patrick's Day next year.

"Images of Ireland's finest buildings going green could be a great way to market what’s on offer here. We are already using St Patrick’s Day to make a big splash internationally; the occasion offers us a unique opportunity to generate goodwill and interest in Ireland. Turning our own buildings green would have an even greater impact.

(CD/GK)