Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on the bogs because the issue is prevalent in my constituency. I thank the officials in the Department for the work they have been doing with turf cutters and their representatives in trying to find solutions to the issues. There is a good working arrangement now between the Department and turf cutters throughout the country. We have reached the stage where there is a good understanding of what the Department needs to do and what turf cutters want, especially those who are cutting turf for domestic use. My engagements with the Department have been positive. I hope we can finalise all outstanding issues in the not-too-distant future to ensure everyone is working together.

I welcome the fact that Coole Park in Gort has been included in the national development plan as one of the sites that will get investment from the Department. I wish to mention another place, and I am being complimentary in the sense that the Department purchased some land in what is known as Cnoc Meadha beside where I am based. I compliment the Department on its visionary approach to these issues. The amounts of money involved are not substantial but what happens when we spend small amounts of money in such areas is that we create a tourism product that is unique. We are probably developing assets whose potential we do not know. They can realise considerable tourism potential in places where we do not have a tourism brand yet. When we launch a tourism brand for the midlands, east and north, we will have products available to showcase it. I compliment the Department in this regard. If the Department is considering such projects, one message I wish to relay is that we do not need millions or billions. We only need some seed money because local communities are enthusiastic about buying in as can be seen in the case of Cnoc Meadha.

There is general collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works and the Department in the promotion of these areas where there are fantastic opportunities for tourism. We underestimate the fact that we have these natural amenities. We simply need to protect and enhance them. That is important throughout the country.

We are not on the Wild Atlantic Way although some of what we are doing is in the wild Atlantic region. It is important that we brand our products in Ireland and that we create different offerings for tourism. It does not necessarily all need to be down in Kerry or up in Donegal; some of it can be in the midlands or off the beaten track where there are hidden gems. We simply need to promote them. I hope the OPW, the Department and Fáilte Ireland will continue to work together to promote the sector.