The collection and publication of official statistics is a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which is under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. Not all of the figures sought by the Deputy are readily available. Official overseas visitor statistics can be found in the Tourism and Travel section of the CSO website but are not available at county-level. The Household Travel Survey contains county-level data on domestic trips and length of stay but revenue is only available at regional level.
Fáilte Ireland publishes its own estimates of overseas visitor numbers and revenue by county. The most recent published statistics go up to 2012 and are available in the Research section of the Fáilte Ireland website at www.failteireland.ie. However, it should be noted that, due to the small sample sizes which breaking out counties leads to, these figures are based on three-year rolling averages, not a given year. I understand that figures using 2013 survey results will be available later this summer.
Official employment statistics are available in the Labour Market section of the CSO website www.cso.ie. The CSO only monitors employment in the Accommodation and Food Services sector specifically, rather than all tourism-related jobs, and publishes figures at the national rather than county level. Fáilte Ireland produces a broader estimate of tourism and hospitality employment but again this is not broken down by county.
On the subject of tourism incentives for Wicklow, I have no direct role in this regard. This is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. I have also asked that Fáilte Ireland provide you with any further statistical information available to them regarding tourism in the county. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
