Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
869. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the increase in overseas visitor numbers to those counties covered by the Wild Atlantic Way initiative, and those counties covered by the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative, since these commenced. [7210/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFigures published by the CSO show that overseas visits to Ireland have risen for each of the past five years. In fact, 2015 broke all previous records with a total number of overseas visits of 8,643,100 which represented an increase of 13.7% on the 2014 total.
Although the CSO does not compile any visitor numbers on a county by county basis, I understand Fáilte Ireland does generate some estimates and this information is available in the research section of the Fáilte Ireland website www.failteireland.ie. In relation to the estimated number of visitors to the counties covered by the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with whatever relevant information they may have. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
