Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism sector to develop further over the next five years having regard to the sectors already showing growth and potential such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's tourism policy, People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025, sets out targets of achieving 10 million visitors, €5 billion in revenue from overseas visitors and employment of 250,000 in the tourism sector by 2025. In 2016, there were over 9.5 million visitors, over €4.5 billion in revenue and the tourism employment figure was in the order of 225,000.
I am pleased to say that funding of almost €108 million will be provided up to 2021 in the Capital Plan for Tourism Product Development. This will allow Fáilte Ireland to continue to invest in the development of tourism product, including continued capital investment in the experience brands, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. It will also enable Fáilte Ireland to commence work on the development of a brand for the Lakelands region as a separate proposition to sit alongside the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.
