Fianna Fail is urging the Tourism Minister to explain what progress has been made on Ireland's Lakelands Programme.

The initiative aims to increase tourism along the River Shannon and its surrounding areas.

The plan is contained in the Programme for Partnership Government.

Ms Anne Rabbitte TD said it has the potential to live up to the success of the 'wild Atlantic Way'.

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She said: "This blueprint would see the River Shannon used as the focal point and would develop tourism attractions across Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, East Galway, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare and Limerick as well as encompassing all the river's tributaries and the canal network across the Midlands.

"The potential for this plan cannot be underestimated, however it needs Government support and since the Programme for Government was published in May there has been little talk about the project.

"We cannot afford to let Ireland's Lakelands languish and become another broken promise and I will continue to press Minister Ross on the issue until we see progress."

(CD/LM)