Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
375. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Programme for Government commitment to prioritise the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta in strengthening the identity and branding of Gaeltacht areas and the development of a tourism strategy for the Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraÚdarás na Gaeltachta will shortly be launching its 2021 -2025 Strategic Plan which will set out a range of aims and objectives in overall support of the ongoing development of the Gaeltacht particularly in the realms of enterprise, community development and language planning. Against this backdrop the ‘Gaeltacht na hÉireann’ brand will continue to be deployed in support of the organisation's key objectives.
Work will also continue, in partnership with other key stakeholders including my Department, in further developing the Gaeltacht’s unique potential in the realm of cultural tourism. In that regard, a range of flagship tourism projects, marketing initiatives and capacity-building programmes, already in train, will be further advanced in a way that aligns with relevant Government policies and programmes including the National Development Plan and Our Rural Future. In that overall setting, Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue to work in partnership with my Department, Fáilte Éireann, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
Usage of “Gaeltacht na hÉireann” branding continues to grow since its initial launch and is now in use by over 500 businesses, organisations, language planning groups and Gaeltacht organisations in a range of different contexts.
Top-class Gaeltacht products and companies were introduced to the world online as part of the 40th anniversary of Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2020. The Gaeltacht Craft EXPO and Gaeltacht Food & Drink Expo 2020 were held to celebrate Craft, Food and Drink products and companies. Both Expos were run under the auspices of the ‘Gaeltacht na hÉireann’ brand, linking the brand to the best of Gaeltacht products.
Furthermore, a Gaeltacht Directory has been developed on the organisation’s website providing online access to Gaeltacht companies and enabling product purchase under the overall branding initiative. A comprehensive digital campaign ‘From the Gaeltacht with Love’ was completed just before Christmas 2020, encouraging customers to support Gaeltacht companies and to purchase from them online.
The COVID-19 crisis has placed significant pressure on the tourism sector. It is, therefore, now more important than ever that Údarás na Gaeltachta continues to support the development of strategic Gaeltacht tourism facilities, including
- Fanad Lighthouse,
- Togra na hEaragaile,
- The Croithlí Distillery,
- Carna Emigrant Centre,
- Seanospidéal an Daingin,
- Leitir Mealláin Seaweed & Heritage Centre; and,
- Ionad Árann.
Údarás na Gaeltachta, through online workshops and seminars, is also working with existing and potential tourism businesses to develop tourism product that will provide unique Gaeltacht experience. Enabling the digitisation of tourism business through marketing and delivery of tourism services will be a key focus for the coming 2 – 3 years. In light of the challenges of COVID-19, Údarás na Gaeltachta is also working with community groups and employment schemes to upgrade and expand walking trails on Bealach na Gaeltachta.
A one year extension, to the value of €450,000, has been approved for 15 Gaeltacht tourism development officers under the tourism development scheme. These officers are working to develop visitor centres and marketing networks as well as specific recovery plans. Údarás na Gaeltachta organised online workshops during the summer of 2020 to enable businesses to take advantage of the domestic market and to develop and sell tourism experiences, products and services online.
The projects involved in the Gaeltacht Tourism Development Scheme are
- Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair
- Slí Chorca Dhuibhne
- Comhchoiste Ghaeltachtaí Chiarraí Theas
- Ionad Deirbhile, An Eachléim
- Turasóireacht Chontae Dhún na nGall
- Carna Emigrant Centre, Carna
- Ionad Cois Locha Teo, Dún Lúiche
- Cósta Gaelach Chonamara & Árann
- Comhaontas Turasóireachta Chorca Dhuibhne
- Fanad Lighthouse
- Leitir Mealláin Seaweed & Heritage Centre
- Ionad Árann, Inis Mór
- Joyce Country Geopark
- Sliabh Liag, Co. Donegal and,
- Áras Éanna, Inis Oírr
I trust this information regarding both existing and forthcoming actions on the part of An tÚdarás serves to provide an overview to the Deputy of the manner in which the commitment contained in the Programme for Government is being delivered.
