Fears for jobs as number of overseas visitors falls 10%

THE number of visits to Ireland fell sharply by more than 10% in the first half of this year, leading to fears that the declining tourist market could force further job cuts.

Figures released by the CSO reveal the number of trips here dropped by 397,600 to the end of June, compared to the same period last year.

Tourists from Britain, other parts of Europe and North America showed the largest fall-offs.