Councillor calls for discussion on impact of tourism in west Donegal
"most of those working in the tourism industry are on minimum wage " - Cllr says
Independent Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig has asked that a discussion take place in relation to tourism and the impact it can have on areas in west Donegal.
The Rosses-based councillor said he is concerned that should the area become a tourism hotspot it may increase land and house prices in the region.
"If this place becomes a tourist hotspot, it will increase the cost of land and leave more people homeless. If we are serious about tourism, we must talk about the economic and social impact of it. We need to look at everything as well as tourism," he said.
The councillor was speaking at a recent meeting of the Glenties Municipal District in Dungloe.
Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig said not everyone benefits from tourism adding that the majority of those who work in the industry receive minimum wage and can’t afford to buy a house and may find it difficult to send their children onto third level education.
"Let us look at both the positive and negative impacts of tourism," he suggested.
He was assured his matter will be addressed in the future.