The Minister for Tourism, Dr McDaid, has expressed regret that a Bord Fáilte-sponsored article which referred to Limerick as a "strangely unlovable city" caused offence.
Limerick City Council wrote to Dr McDaid last December expressing surprise and disappointment "at the extremely unjustified comment".
"The city council were strongly of the view that Bord Fáilte's remit is to promote Ireland, and that clearly the reported article was totally contrary to such promotional activities."
The article which appeared in a supplement entitled Treasure Ireland in the British newspaper Independent on Sunday on November 18th was written by a travel writer, Mr John Walsh, who was describing a walking holiday.
The Minister's private secretary, Mr Stephen Ryan, replied to the council saying the Minister regretted the article caused Limerick people offence in any way.
Following the query by the city council, Department officials made contact with Bord Fáilte in London. "They have indicated that while they do have an agreement concerning the general content of such in-paper promotions, they do not have editorial rights. That is why in-paper promotions are seen as extremely valuable as they are regarded as unbiased and impartial," Mr Ryan said.
The Minister was sure the article was "an aberration and he is quite certain that Limerick will continue to receive the excellent coverage which it deserves".
Mr John Lahiffe, Tourism Ireland's publicity manager in Britain, also expressed regret over the reference, saying the programme of visiting journalists depends on journalistic integrity.
"While we make every effort to ensure that journalist visits go smoothly, to ensure a positive and favourable outcome, ultimately we have no control over final copy. Our only recourse if we are dissatisfied with the outcome, is not to invite that particular journalist or publication again. Taking issue after the event with any writer or newspaper only serves to highlight that which we would prefer had not been published in the first place." Mr Lahiffe, in his briefing note to the Department, said no complaints were received from anybody in Britain about the comment.