Cllr Yore 'disappointed' with some national media over Brigid1500

Cllr Maeve Yore has said that she believes there is a bias against Dundalk by some in the national media when covering positive news events, and criticised Virgin Media for what she believes is its lack of coverage of Brigid 1500 in Dundalk, along with Fáilte Ireland.

Cllr Yore raised the matter at the Dundalk Municipal District February meeting where she first highlighted the success of Brigid 1500 festival.

Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat following the meeting, Cllr Yore said that “Brigid 1500 was a phenomenal success in Louth and huge thanks and appreciation has to go to all the stakeholders, all the people involved – Louth County Council, Dundalk BIDS, Daithí and Adele in DkIT – they were phenomenal with the concert, Moya Hodgers, the Arts Officer.”

Cllr Yore also mentioned Eunan Smith, a tour guide who brought a group of ladies from New Jersey to Dundalk. According to Cllr Yore, the ladies, who were on a tour of Ireland changed their plans and Mr Smith brought them to Dundalk to see the lights, to Faughart, to the museum, and he brought them to see Brigid's relic. “They were blown away by the Dundalk welcome they got from people on the street as well”, Cllr Yore added.

The Dundalk South councillor further added that going forward they need to invite US and UK tour operators, as well as local and national tour operators in and advise them of what is happening.  “It's vitally important and has huge tourism potential.”

Cllr Yore went on to say however, that she was disappointed with Fáilte Ireland and the national media coverage of the event, and that she believes there appears to be a bias against Dundalk in relation to covering positive news events.

Cllr Yore told the Dundalk Democrat that RTE North East correspondent Laura Hogan has done great work highlighting “all the great things happening in Dundalk and the region”, but was critical of Virgin Media and Fáilte Ireland , saying “they don't give us the coverage that we deserve.”