Natural Heritage Areas
Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-26
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Niall Collins (FF), Limerick County

I thank Senator Lynch for raising this matter. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. At the outset, I clarify that the Department of Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to greenways while national parks are under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with local authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Cork is represented by three regional tourism brands, namely, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Fáilte Ireland’s regional tourism development strategies are the roadmap for the tourism industry and for all stakeholders involved in tourism.
To activate these strategies, Fáilte Ireland has established localised five-year destination experience development plans. The west Cork and Kenmare destination experience development plan, which encompasses Múscraí and includes the Gearagh was launched in quarter 4 of 2023 to efficiently manage the delivery of actions within the destination experience development plan. Three thematic subgroups were established based on the prevalence of actions emerging from the plan. They are artisan food, outdoor activities and marketing. Key priorities in 2026 for west Cork and Kenmare include undertaking a mid-term review of the west Cork and Kenmare destination experience development plan, which will provide an opportunity to reassess objectives and actions against emerging trends, updated national and regional policies and new projects that have come on stream before the plan was first adopted. It will ensure that priorities for the remainder of the plan lifecycle remain relevant, achievable and responsive to the needs of local communities and industry. This review is due to be completed by September 2026. There will also be the roll-out of a cluster development programme from 2026 to 2028 for tourism businesses in the destination, based on a workshop and learning needs analysis.
The marketing subgroup of the destination experience development plan will work with Fáilte Ireland to produce a brouchure by the end of April 2026 highlighting the region's food experiences, markets, outdoor activities, accommodation and cultural experiences. The brochure will also feature key tourism towns and villages linking to itineraries and other assets under Discovery Ireland and Pure Cork.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-02-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:42+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-26