Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
204. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop and brand midland tourism in the same way as the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ancient East have been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the development, implementation or management of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. Similarly, I do not have a direct role in relation to the development, implementation or management of branding strategies.
In line with the Programme for Government, Fáilte Ireland commissioned a Destination and Feasibility Study to ascertain the potential growth and best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, which includes the Lakelands, in the final quarter of 2016. The completed study suggested a number of options to create a distinctive tourism brand for the midlands. I understand that Fáilte Ireland is currently in the process of testing brand concepts and is engaging with relevant stakeholders.
While a draft proposal has been submitted to my Department, Fáilte Ireland is currently developing a more detailed proposal for this project, which I expect to receive in December. An initial capital investment of €1 million was secured in Budget 2018 to allow Fáilte Ireland to progress its work on a brand for the Midlands during 2018.
