Cllr Niamh McGowan, cathoirleach, Meath County Council presenting leas cathoirleach Cllr Jimmy Fegan with his chain of office at last week's annual meeting. Photo: John Quirke.

The newly elected vice-chairman of Meath County Council, Cllr Jimmy Fegan from Trim, has pledged to commit to attracting inward investment into Meath and maximising the county's tourism potential, while working closely with the newly elected cathaoirleach, Cllr Niamh McGowan, and the chairman of Meath Tourism, Cllr John Farrelly.

The Fianna Fail councillor said: "Primarily, my role as vice-chairperson of Meath County Council is pre-determined, and is the duty of providing a support role for an cathaoirleach and, of course, I am committed to that role.

"In addition, I want to exploit the fact that the county has the richest heritage on the island of Ireland, the best hotels and golf courses in the region, a vibrant equine business, an abundance of open-air activities and a wide range of festivals and related activities."

He added: "We have yet to find ways of attracting some of the very large numbers of foreign visitors through Dublin Airport and sea port to come this way and stay for a night or two.

"Despite the superlative efforts of Meath Tourism, we are so far only scratching the surface of what I believe should be a rich source of income for our tourism trade in Meath, an activity that has the potential to provide a very substantial income to a variety of diverse sectors within the county."