Thursday 17th August 2006

TAXI STRIKE WILL HINDER RYDER CUP AND TOURISM SUCCESS,
Says IHF

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today expressed grave concern about the impact work stoppages planned by taxi drivers next month will have on the forthcoming Ryder Cup event at the K Club. The Federation stated that sectoral interests should not be allowed to hamper what will be one of the greatest sporting events ever to be staged in Ireland and that everyone in the country has an obligation to work together to ensure the event is a spectacular success.

Commenting on the planned industrial action by taxi drivers, Annette Devine, President of the IHF, says, “It is extremely disappointing that strike action is being planned by taxi drivers to coincide with the Ryder Cup – it will cause huge disruption to those aiming to attend, present a negative image of Ireland to overseas visitors and effectively hold the country to ransom. No sector should be putting its own interests ahead of the greater national interests. Ireland has much to gain from this event, both in the short term and longer term, but only if all sectors work together to make it a success.”

“The Ryder Cup is one of the top three sporting events in the world, and for Ireland it represents a unique opportunity to showcase what our country has to offer to overseas visitors. Ireland may not attract a sporting event of such magnitude again with the potential to reach so many people worldwide, so it is vital that we leverage the maximum benefit from the Ryder Cup. Not only will thousands of people be making arrangements to attend the event, but in addition millions of people around the world will be tuning in on TV – it places Ireland firmly on the world stage and under the microscope,” Ms Devine continued.

The Ryder Cup is expected to generate in the region of €130m for the Irish economy, and has seen a huge level of cooperation between the organisers, businesses, tourism bodies and Government to ensure that it is a success. Ms Devine stated that any strike action at this stage will only serve to undermine the efforts and cooperation which have characterised the lead up to the event. She stated that a resolution should urgently be sought so that the planned work stoppages are averted or rescheduled.

ENDS

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