Macra members asked to holiday at home

Macra na Feirme has called on all its members to holiday at home this summer.

The organisation launched its Annual Festival Programme with the support of

Bord Fáilte in Dublin today.

Macra na Feirme president Mr TJ Maher said 2001 has been a difficult year

for the Irish tourism industry because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

"Throughout the height of the foot-and-mouth crisis the tourism industry

wholeheartedly rowed in behind our farming neighbours," he said.

"Restrictions imposed were readily adhered to and at this juncture, while the tourism industry is optimistically facing forward, careful rules of the country-side will be maintained."

The revenue losses incurred by the tourism sector as a result of

foot-and-mouth could run up to an estimated £500m, added

Mr Byrne.