Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012
211. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he will provide the details of the funding available for the development of the Wild Atlantic Drive project to be developed under auspices of Failte Ireland; the timeframe for completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40828/12]
View answer212. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the specification envisaged for the route to be known as the Wild Atlantic Drive in accordance with Fáilte Ireland's plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40830/12]
View answer213. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he will provide a map showing the route of the Wild Atlantic Drive as envisaged by Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40843/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 to 213, inclusive, together.
The matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.
However, I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the first phase of the project is being implemented, at a cost of €1.8m, on a pilot basis in Connemara. Fáilte Ireland are currently working on the development of a single brand for the Wild Atlantic Way and will partner with local authorities along the coast to identify the precise route.
I further understand that the route plan will be delivered through four regional steering groups, comprised of Fáilte Ireland, the Local Authorities, the National Roads Authority and other key stakeholders. There will be extensive trade and public consultation as part of this process. Work will then begin on the detailed planning of the various sections of the route. Interpretation and infrastructure plans, like the pilot plan recently launched for Connemara, will be prepared for each section along the Wild Atlantic Way.
