A major marketing plan to promote Ireland as a tourist destination is to be introduced over the Winter period.
The campaign will be financed by the Exechequer budget for tourism.
Speaking at the CERT-organised Tourism Business Forum this morning, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said the that £14 million of the £90 million earmarked by the Exechequer for tourism would be used on this scheme.
He said it was clear the September 11th attacks would reduce visitors to Ireland, particularly from the US, for the rest of the year and into 2002, and that the industry must focus on bringing those visitors back.
"As Taoiseach I believe we have to keep confident, keep an eye on the long term and work strategically to position the industry to move ahead when the international recovery comes," Mr Ahern.
Asked whether he favoured the development of a new low-cost airline hub at Dublin or Shannon, the Taoiseach said his main concern was to get the tourists into Ireland, with their arrival point to be worked out by talks between the government and the airport aviation authorities
He also said the Government has persuaded the European Commission to give State Aids clearance for a new Tourism Product Investment Scheme which will be begun in the near future.
Between Exchequer and EU Regional Funds, it will involve an overall public investment package of about £100 million and will be managed by Bord Fáilte.