Tourist numbers to reach targets

IRELAND is on course to meet its target for visitor numbers this year, Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue said yesterday.

The latest figures show the number of tourists visiting the Republic in the year to end of August up 4.5% on the period last year.

“With the good out-turn for August and reports on the ground suggesting a strong performance for the industry in September, I am hopeful we can meet our overall growth target for the year,” Mr O’Donoghue said.