A shortfall in visitors has already been recorded

Officials in Dublin confirmed that inquiries had dropped two weeks before the war in Iraq began on Thursday.

Tourist chiefs have met with key industry representatives on both sides of the border in a move to draw up a new strategy to deal with the anticipated shortfall in visitors.

Paul O'Toole, chief executive of the north/south organisation Tourism Ireland, warned that the market in Great Britain could be particularly affected.

"We have seen a dip in consumer enquiries as consumers become increasingly nervous of the consequences of a prospect of an Iraq war," he said.

"However, Ireland is a close to home destination and I am hopeful that once the immediate uncertainty abates, we will see a quick return to consumer confidence in Great Britain."

We need to ensure that the Irish tourism industry comes through this unstable and difficult environment with the minimum of damage Paul O'Toole Tourism Ireland

He confirmed that his organisation had met the Tourism Response Group which consists of key players such as Bord Failte, and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to discuss plans for the coming months.

A recovery fund was in place to enable Tourism Ireland to target those markets most likely to recover from the aftermath of the war.

Mr O'Toole said his organisation was currently looking at the effects of the conflict in two stages; firstly the period of the war and how it would impact on consumer confidence and secondly the post-war period and how soon confidence would return.

"As the impact of the Iraq war unfolds over the coming weeks we will continue to carefully monitor, assess and review the marketplace and then revise our plans so that we can ensure our marketing budgets are spent to best effect," he said.

"We need to understand all of the implications and respond quickly to ensure that the Irish tourism industry comes through this unstable and difficult environment with the minimum of damage," he added.