Ring hopes Pope ‘sees fit’ to visit Knock

Anton McNulty

Minister for State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring says he hopes the Pope ‘sees fit’ to visit Knock Shrine if he visits Ireland in 2018.
In September, it was announced that Dublin will host the World Meeting of Families in 2018, and it has been speculated that that Pope Francis may use this as an opportunity to visit the country.
Speaking at last week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, Mr Ring said: “I hope the Pope sees fit to come to Knock and relaunch Knock [Shrine]. If he comes to Ireland I hope he comes to Knock too.”
The comments were made during his presentation to Council members on tourism in the county and what he hopes they can achieve. Cllr Frank Durcan had earlier commented that Knock Shrine brings in more visitors than the Reek and should be promoted. Minister Ring agreed, and praised the work done at Knock Basilica and Shrine.
During his presentation, Minister Ring explained that 4,500 people were employed in the tourism sector in Mayo, and he stressed the significant potential of the Wild Atlantic Way, which he said ‘has put the west of Ireland and Mayo on the map’.
The reaction to Minister Ring’s presentation was largely positive, but Fianna FΡil councillor Lisa Chambers claimed that Knock Airport was being overlooked by the present government compared to the support given to Shannon. Minister Ring replied that Shannon had not been given a grant but that its debt had been written off when the Shannon Development Company took over, adding that it was now out of the Government’s hands.
Independent councillor Gerry Ginty suggested that the county focus on China and the lucrative ‘Far East’ market, arguing said there direct flights from China could bring huge benefits.
Westport-based councillor Brendan Mulroy welcomed the Minister’s intervention in relation to tourist amenity Westport House and Estate and its potential sale by NAMA. He said the criticism of the Minister from his party, Fianna FΡil, was not warranted and that local members of the party were happy with the intervention.
Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Peter Hynes said that Knock Airport was in a better place than it has ever been and the county had to be positive going forward. “Positivity is the key,” he said. “A bad word will travel fast and far.”