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.

Mr O'Donovan said: "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.

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"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."

(CD/GK)