Tourism industry to recover by year's end

The tourism industry is set to get back on its feet by this autumn according to the Minister for Tourism, John O'Donoghue.

The industry, which employs 150,000 people around the country, has been hit by a decrease in visitors since 2001.

More than 200,000 people from around the country are heading to the Galway Races, and it's expected the festival will inject €60m into the local economy.

According to Minister John O'Donoghue, 70% of revenue created in the industry is generated in areas outside of Dublin.

Last year, the south-west of the country earned €800m while the west generated €600m.

Although the industry suffered serious setbacks over the past two years, the Minister claims it is set to recover by the end of this year.