Seán Kelly MEP for Ireland South hosted a delegation from the Irish Hotels Federation at the European Parliament, Brussels recently.

Irish Hotel Federation members representing Kerry include (l-r): Michael Lally Mary MacMonagle Colette Burghoff Marcus Treacy Catherine Treacy Bernadette Randles host Seán Kelly MEP Emer Corridon Pauline Lyne Margaret Barrett Margaret Cahill James Dunne Brian Bowler and Donie O Brien

IHF representatives from Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Mayo, Donegal, Meath, and Dublin were present.

The group had the opportunity to tour the European Parliament plenary chamber and to meet with Parliament and Commission officials to discuss the development of EU tourism policy. They also discussed how politics and policy-making operates in the European Parliament with MEP Kelly.

“Turnout in Ireland for the last European Parliament election [2019], was below 50 percent” said the Killarney politician.

“I really value the opportunity to welcome Irish people to the Parliament in Brussels, I hope these visits give the groups the chance to engage with the EU and inform themselves ahead of the 2024 elections. Irish people’s voices should be heard loud and clear in Brussels.”

During their visit, the group also saw the historical cities of Bruges and Leuven in Belgium.

Bernadette Randles, Managing Director of Dromhall Hotel, and one of the co-organisers of the visit said: "I am sure all Irish MEPs work very hard, but I must say for us in Kerry, and indeed in the IHF nationally, it is great to have the support and the ear of Seán Kelly. Seán is really interested in tourism and sustainability and continually lends us his time and wisdom whenever we ask. A huge thank you especially to Sean and the team in his office. I would recommend anyone take that trip with Sean to see the European Parliament.”