Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I regularly speak in the House on the importance of tourism. I would like the Leader to organise a debate in due course, possibly in September or October, with the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy Michael Ring, on how we can source international sporting events. An American football match is coming up in Croke Park later this year and there are facilities all over Ireland, not just in Croke Park, where we can accommodate international sporting events showcasing the country, particularly in the area of golf. As we all know, Trump has taken over Doonbeg in Clare and there is also Lahinch in that county. There is significant potential to develop golf tourism.

In the context of the Wild Atlantic Way in particular, I would like to see a specific strategy promoting walking, hiking, cycling and running. This is an international phenomenon. In the Cathaoirleach's own county of Mayo, we have seen the huge success of the Westport to Achill walking and cycling pathway. There are significant developments in terms of creating cycle pathways throughout the west, in conjunction with the Wild Atlantic Way. However, I believe that, at this stage, we need a dedicated strategy for walking, hiking, cycling and running whereby we can attract groups and individuals from all over the world.

We have the raw material or the resource, which is the landscape. We just need the tourists. While we have had success in this area, there is still huge potential for further development.