Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegation and thank Mr. Pender for the comprehensive outline of the maritime resource tourism development work of Fáilte Ireland. I live by the coast and it is fair to say it is one of the best resources anywhere in Europe if it could be properly developed and exploited. Mr. Pender outlined in his presentation the work in which Fáilte Ireland is engaged in order to increase tourism numbers.

Mr. Pender referred to the Atlantic way. I happened to be in west Cork for two days over the weekend meeting with fishermen and fishing communities. I noticed the large volume of tourists in the fishing areas along the coast there. We find it very difficult in Donegal to attract visitors to Donegal. I spoke to people involved in businesses along the coast in Cork and in Donegal and they said the tourism season is getting shorter. There might be an explanation for that in certain coastal areas. I am teasing out the issue in order to find an explanation for the reason we are not able to get the same number of tourists into the north west as other parts of the country seem to enjoy. Is there a reason for that. Mr. Pender outlined the funding that has been made available.

Marine tourism revenues are now around 10% of the overall figure, at €550 million. Is there a geographical breakdown of that figure, along with an analysis of where tourists are going along the coast so we can decide if the strategy is working? There might be other factors, such as access into regions. This committee is involved in the revitalisation of coastal areas and island communities. Unfortunately many of those communities benefited traditionally from fishing activity which is no longer available. We have met representatives from island communities to find alternative ways to generate income locally for people living in those areas so they can remain in them.

Funding to develop projects was outlined in the presentation. Product development is key; there must be a good product to attract tourists, along with value for money. In the current economic climate, people have ideas but they find it hard to raise capital to develop them. Is the system working? Is Leader funding too complex to draw down? I know of numerous projects that have hit a brick wall when it comes to conditions.

Coastal tourism can be tied up with walking tourism, a huge growth area. Is there any way to develop that further? Is there cooperation between all stakeholders, from local authorities up, or is there a need for a one-stop-shop to develop sectors like walking tourism, where farmers buy into the idea? There is always a cost associated with the development of products. In Scotland, walking tourism has developed hugely but it was done on the back of investment in conjunction with farmers, right down to paying them to keep pathways and fencing in place. Should we consider that? If that was done, what would the dividends be in five or ten years if there was a strategy to develop these coastal walking routes? A lot work has been done but a lot more could be done.

Today's discussion will be important in feeding into the documentation we will prepare after the consultations.