‘A devastating blow for Kilkenny’ – TD hits out at drinks giant’s decision to close popular tourism attraction
A Kilkenny TD has hit at out drinks giant Diageo over its decision to close the Smithwicks Experience.
Deputy Kathleen Funchion said she is “deeply concerned” at the news, announced late last week, which will result in the job losses and have a negative impact on local tourism.
The Sinn Féin fonrtbencher said: “I am deeply concerned that Diageo has taken the decision to close this award-winning tourist attraction, that was favourite for visitors to our medieval city and also much loved by locals at this time.”
Deputy Funchion said the announcement came as “a huge shock” for employees at the popular Kilkenny city attraction, especiually given Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s announcement of the phased reopening of the tourism sector.
She added: “I think it’s disappointing that a large international company like Diageo could not ride out the pandemic as so many other tourist attractions in the city have done.
“I have written to the Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD to ask that she intervene on this matter, and what steps her Department will take to address this devastating blow for the city of Kilkenny.”
