Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
525. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the exclusion of Youghal, County Cork, as a heritage town from Ireland's Ancient East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19305/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism offerings such as Ireland's Ancient East, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The development of Ireland's Ancient East is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that despite any misconceptions which may have arisen since its launch, Youghal is not only included in Ireland's Ancient East but will have a significant role to play in the initiative. Ireland's Ancient East extends from Carlingford to Cork and Cavan to Carnsore and is based on 5,000 years of history, heritage and culture all located in that relatively compact region. This new touring region will seek to attract international visitors by building on the wealth of historical and cultural assets in the region – including East Cork.
I understand that tourism operators from East Cork and indeed the Deputy attended an initial Ireland's Ancient East stakeholder workshop in The Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel last week on 13 May, to learn more about the new initiative and to discuss how this will be brought to life in the East Cork area. I would urge tourism operators and communities to embrace this new tourism initiative and capitalise on the opportunities it will present to generate more visitors and tourism revenue, as those communities and operators along the Wild Atlantic Way have embraced that initiative.
