Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
506. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the inclusion of east County Clare in the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands tourism initiative and also on the River Shannon master plan being developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland which has its southern headquarters in Scariff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17673/18]
View answerNeither I nor my Department has any role in relation to the development, implementation or management of the tourism experience brands, such as Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, or in the Shannon Navigation Tourism Masterplan.
Matters such as those raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
With regard to the geographical boundaries of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and the inclusion of east Clare in this new experience brand, I understand that Fáilte Ireland considered that the natural tourism offering of east Clare and its proximity to the Shannon makes it a good fit with the new brand identity and means this area will benefit from being included.
As regards the river Shannon, this will be a central focus of the new brand. I am informed that the Shannon Navigation Tourism Masterplan currently being developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland aims to drive tourism opportunities both on and off the water, and in the towns nearby.
In terms of next steps, I understand that Fáilte Ireland will now recruit a dedicated team to ensure an immediate local presence to champion the brand’s development. An initial €2 million in Exchequer funding has been allocated to start the development stage of the brand, with further Exchequer allocations for subsequent years being decided in the context of the annual Estimates process between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
