Madam, - I note that Fáilte Ireland has been given €100 million to spend on new and existing attractions (The Irish Times, February 21st). The village of Slane, Co Meath,which suffered an 85 per cent decline in tourism revenue after the Brú na Bóinne interpretative centre was built, was promised Government aid of around €1.4 million to help repair the economic damage.
So far nothing has happened. However, a plan for the development of the village, published recently, will give Fáilte Ireland plenty of good ideas. I would suggest taking a look at Slane Mill, which is of international architectural importance and has the potential to draw large numbers of visitors from abroad.
The restoration of the Boyne Navigation between Slane and Brú na Bóinne is also worth considering. Indeed, the complete restoration of the navigation between Drogheda and Navan would greatly boost tourism in the area. It could enable waterbuses to travel between the two towns, stopping at the Battle of the Boyne site, Brú na Bóinne and Slane - a cruise through some important Irish history. - Yours, etc,
Senator DOMINIC HANNIGAN, Lagavooren Manor, Drogheda, Co Meath.