Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, has welcomed confirmation that a new tourist office is to be installed in the town’s County Hall.

It is hoped the new office will be opened next spring.

She said: "I am delighted to receive confirmation that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is planning to refurbish a section of the County Hall to use as a tourist office. The move is part of an initiative which has seen Fáilte Ireland working with local councils, community groups and businesses across the country to provide tourist information services. Already, 30% of the existing Tourist Information Offices nationwide have been taken over by local groups, with the help of Fáilte Ireland.

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"The provision of the new office will be a great boost to the local community in Dun Laoghaire, particularly after the Trojan efforts to keep the Joyce Martello Tower this summer. The challenges facing the Tower were met with an incredible response by local volunteers who rallied together to ensure the museum could remain open.

"The altruistic spirit displayed by these volunteers is something Dun Laoghaire can really be proud of, and I have no doubt that this same spirit will play a role in the successful operation of the new tourist office. There is a deep sense of local pride in Dun Laoghaire and a strong recognition that it’s not only a great place to live, but a great place to visit.

"The provision of a tourist office will help to provide visitors with useful information about the area, and it will add to the overall offering of the town. As well as a beautiful setting, great restaurants and cafes and historical attractions like the Joyce Tower, Dun Laoghaire will now be able to provide visitors with advice and information on how to spend their time locally."

(CD)