Concern has been raised in the North West following the latest tourism figures from the CSO.

Tourism numbers in May were down 10 per cent on the previous year - while the amount spent by those visitors dropped by 21 per cent.

There are ongoing calls for the VAT rate to be cut to 9% for the hospitality sector as the tourism season is well and truly underway.

Independent Manorhamilton Cllr James Gilmartin says visitors can often be the lifeblood to rural communities: