Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022
86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if further consideration will be given to the development of monastic trails as part of the tourism infrastructure both within this State and on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2639/22]
View answer148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has had recent discussions with her counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the further development of tourism infrastructure on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2640/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 148 together.
At the outset, I should clarify that, while my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to invest in tourism attractions and experiences nationwide, the development and promotion of tourism product experiences are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland.
I am aware, however, that Fáilte Ireland’s strategy is to have a portfolio of walking and cycling trails ranging from multi-day long distance trails to shorter looped walks that can be enjoyed by visitors to a destination.
Where interpretation is incorporated into trail development, visitors will be introduced to a range of things to do and see either along or adjacent to the trail. Sites of historical interest will also be incorporated on trail head map boards. It is not Fáilte Ireland’s intention, however, to specifically develop monastic trails as standalone tourism products.
With specific regard to cross-border initiatives, as the Deputy is aware, the designation of Tourism as an area for cooperation on an all-island and cross-border basis under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement provides the structures to develop North/South tourism cooperation, primarily through the work of the North South Ministerial Council. Unfortunately, it was not possible for the Council to meet to discuss tourism issues during 2021, but I look forward to resuming these discussions through the NSMC in the near future. At our most recent meeting on 25 November 2020, we agreed to review the work programme of the NSMC Tourism sector to ensure that we are taking full advantage of the opportunities that cooperation in the sector offers.
My officials are continuing to liaise on tourism matters with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland - through monthly meetings and also quarterly operational meetings with both the Department for the Economy and Tourism Ireland.
Later this afternoon, I will be taking part in the latest in a series of Shared Island Dialogue events hosted by the Department of An Taoiseach. This afternoon's dialogue will focus on all-island tourism - looking back on the last 20 years of north-south tourism co-operation before then considering the challenges and opportunities of the next 20 years. I am very excited by the speakers and panels that will be taking part in the Tourism Dialogue, and am very encouraged by the range and number of delegates and observers who will be attending.
My Department and its tourism agencies will continue to foster north-south co-operation to enhance an all-island tourism offering and grow international visitor numbers.
