Mr. Varadkar says the Government he led faced massive challenges.

The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism.

It's expected the party will add another candidate to the ticket in the coming months before June's election.

The Dáil debated the bill yesterday, but the government said it needs to assess last week's Citizen's Assembly report first.

The hospitality industry in particular has seen significant closures, with 188 establishments folding between October and November last year.

Losses of 19 million euro in unpaid licence fees were recorded last year.

Earlier this week, local businessman Seamus Gibbons accused the politicians of using the aftermath of the tornado as a photo opportunity.

According to the report, Leitrim and Westmeath have the highest proportion of beds contracted to the Government in the region.