Senator Shane Cassells signing the roll to officially become a member of the 26th Seanad.

Cassells appointed Seanad spokesperson on Media, Arts, Sport and Tourism

Meath West senator, Shane Cassells, has been appointed the Seanad Spokesperson on Media, Arts, Sport and Tourism by An Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin TD.

Senator Cassells is a former journalist and is from a family well known and regarded in the sports community.

The new Minister for Media, Arts, Sport and Tourism was before the Seanad in recent days and Senator Cassells raised the importance of tourism to the local economy and sport to communities.

Speaking on his appointment Senator Cassells said: “I look forward to working in my new role as this is an area which I have a great interest in and is a brief which are of great importance to the Meath West and North Westmeath area.” “What I look forward to most is having an input into the areas of tourism and sport which are vital cornerstones of the economy and communities in Westmeath.

“From the Lakes of Westmeath to Tullyallen Castle and from Fore Abbey to the Royal Canal Greenway, the Westmeath area has a lot to offer the tourism sector and tourism is a key employer and revenue generator for North Westmeath.

“I will work tirelessly to grow north Westmeath’s potential as a region which can become a must-go area for every tourist that comes to Ireland. While the tourism sector is on a brief pause for the time-being from foreign visitors it will be critical for our economy in the coming years.

“Sport is bred into us all in Meath West and is vital to all our communities. The hurling and football grounds of North Westmeath have been part of our rural and urban communities for generations.

“Recently in the Seanad I pressed the new Minister for Media, Arts, Sport and Tourism, Catherine Martin TD, on the importance of increasing the numbers at our GAA club and country matches so communities can support their local teams and enjoy sport again in a safe socially distanced environment.

“The protection of the media and our arts sector are areas I have a keen interest in and will advocate strongly for in the Seanad.

“The Taoiseach has spoken directly to me about the importance of media, arts, sport and tourism in our future as we emerge from Covid-19 and I look forward to working with him and the Fianna Fáil cabinet team to grow and develop these sectors,” concluded Senator Cassells.