Tourism Promotion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Questions (547)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

547. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of the threat to the future of the Celtic Routes Project, a unique tourism initiative linking counties in south east Ireland with counterparts in Wales; if she will ensure that sufficient funding is provided to continue this important project; if she has had any contact with her Welsh government colleague to discuss this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36354/23]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Celtic Routes is an initiative, under the Ireland Wales Interreg Programme 2014-2020,  to encourage visitors to explore areas of Wales and Ireland beyond the usual destinations, to discover their Celtic spirit and boost the economies of the areas visited.

I understand that owing to the UK’s exit from the EU there is currently no successor to the 2014-2020 Ireland Wales European Territorial Co-operation Programme. I am advised that the programme for 2014-2020 is moving into its final stage of implementation with the majority of  joint projects now closed and the others including Celtic Routes preparing for closure in the coming months. 

In the absence of a successor programme, I have asked my officials to keep under review the potential for future collaborative tourism initiatives with Wales.