Minister Shane Ross enjoys tour of Kerry with Michael Healy-Rae

Transport and Tourism Minister Shane Ross conceded he will return to Dublin with a better understanding of rural Ireland after a whirlwind “two-day” tour of Kerry — with Michael Healy-Rae escorting him.

The Dublin Rathdown TD spoke after visiting the Department of Tourism and Sport offices in Killarney.

Kerry vintners, he said, were seeking his support for tax incentives for providing accommodation in very remote bars, but he dispelled any notion the proposal was to allow patrons ‘sleep it off after a feed of drink’, quickly responding, “No, we are not going to encourage that!”