Cork-Kerry tourism's decision to hold farewell dinner is attacked
Mr. Paul Coghlan, president Chamber of Commerce, presenting a cheque on behalf of the Chamber to Mr. Michael Kenny, chairman Killarney Irish Wheelchair Association to purchase a new wheelchair for the association in the area. Also included are members...
THE decision by Cork-kerry Tourism to hold a farewell dinner for retiring Bord Failte Director General Joe Malone in Killarney last week has been attacked by a local urban councillor, Mr. Maurice O'donoghue.
"All of the money is spent on him when it should be spent on promoting Killarney," complained Councillor O'donoghue at Monday's meeting of Killarney Urbsn Council.
It is believed that the meal, prepared by the staff of the International Hotel, Killarney, and then transferred to Muckross House, cost £20 a head. There was also a free bar for the night. About 90 people attended the dinner.
Colr. O'donoghue asked that the Council find out, from the local director of Cork/kerry Tourism, the cost of the dinner.
There was a band there, a harpist, a lavish meal and a bar, said Colr. O'donoghue, and he wanted to know who was paying for it.
"I had nothing against Mr. Malone, but he gets very well paid for the job he was doing, and he is now leaving that to go into private enterprise," said Colr. O'donoghue.
"While all that money was being spent to entertain between 80 and 100 people, Killarney Council workers are on a three-day week, and local hotels have forced to close this season for the first time in years. Tourism is going through it's worst spell since the Second World War."
Colr. Paudie O'connor agreed, saying this was a very difficult period for everyone involved in the tourism business.
"I'm not in favour of spending this kind of money. I don't recall Joe Malone coming here in his official capacity. I concur about the lavishness of the dinner, but I do think that it showed that Killarney is the hub of tourism, by bringing the dinner to the town," he said.
Councillors Seán O'grady and Chrosty Horgan agreed that at least it was a good thing that the dinner was held in Killarney.
"It gave us a lot of good publicity," said Colr. Horgan.
