Tourism body 'mystified' in dispute with Lovin' Dublin

Lovin’ Dublin founder Niall Harbison

Michael Cogley

Lovin' Dublin website founder Niall Harbison is locked in a row with Fáilte Ireland over the tourism body's 'Dublin - A breath of fresh air' logo.

He has accused Fáilte Ireland of undermining his business and sought legal advice over the State body's ongoing use of the logo.

The tourism authority launched the 'Dublin - A breath of fresh air' logo in October of last year.

The campaign was started in order to reposition the city and county and secure its appeal to overseas for the long term.

Mr Harbison said it was "tough having your every move replicated by a State body in Visit Dublin".

But the allegations came as a shock to Fáilte Ireland, which said it was "mystified" by the statement.

Surprised

a spokesman for Fáilte Ireland told the Irish Independent: "Fáilte Ireland is somewhat surprised at Niall's comments.

"Our new Dublin brand and logo are almost a year old. Niall was a member of the Grow Dublin Taskforce and would have had an opportunity to provide his own input when the logo was being designed."

Fáilte Ireland claimed that the pair had worked quite closely and had a good relationship, with Mr Harbison making various proposals on working together as recently as a month ago.

However, Mr Harbison denied his input in the design of the logo.

He said: "That's not true. I was invited to join it, so I sat in on the first session and then left."