John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an issue that has been discussed actively within Fáilte Ireland and the Department for some time. Over the last nine months we have discussed the facilitation of a presentation to be given by Waterford council and the people dealing with tourism in Waterford to expand the Wild Atlantic Way along east Cork and Waterford's Atlantic coastline. Since I met Shaun Quinn, the head of Fáilte Ireland, in July of last year a couple of very developments have occurred when it comes specifically to Waterford. The air route from Waterford Airport to London has been restored with flights to Luton beginning on Monday week.

Second, Waterford is at an advanced stage of planning and construction in respect of a range of major tourism related infrastructure projects along the coast, including the greenway from Dungarven to Waterford. There are similar projects going ahead in east Cork. The timing of any presentation is important. We are probably ready now, moreso than six months ago, to give this presentation if accepted. I stress in the House something I have mentioned on a couple of occasions to the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring. We are really only interested in one thing and consider that we can make the case for inclusion in the Wild Atlantic Way based on merit. Adding the Waterford and east Cork coastlines to the Wild Atlantic Way will increase the saleability of the concept, not detract from it. That is the key thing. Before anyone puts up a hand and says we cannot do this as it might dilute the essence of the existing product, we think we can provide different elements to the Wild Atlantic Way that do not currently exist and which will add to the product being marketed as is.

The new tourism initiative unveiled yesterday could be a very useful product. I appreciate the work the Minister of State and his colleagues, including the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, have put into it. If marketed correctly, it is something that could work and which we will try to make successful in Waterford. It will obviously need a budget, which is a matter that will be discussed by the Cabinet. It is fair to say that there remains a strong belief in my county that the Wild Atlantic Way has more potential and is still of greater interest to businesses along our coastline. I am not dismissing in any way Ireland's Ancient East, the product that was announced yesterday, but for us the priority is our coastline and the way it is marketed. That remains the case. The product announced yesterday in no way, shape or form addresses that, which is its nature and that is fine. The focus for us must remain on the extension of the Wild Atlantic Way for that particular reason right now. That is in no way to dismiss the potential for the other product.

It is for me and some others slightly incongruous that when one goes on the Wild Atlantic Way website, the causeway coastal route is advertised. That is slightly unusual when the Waterford and east Cork coastlines are nowhere to be seen. I stress that we are not looking for a handout here. I would not be standing here if I thought the addition of east Cork and Waterford would not benefit tourism numbers for everyone concerned nationally. Obviously, an argument that makes sense to those involved in tourism in west Cork must be made and we are prepared to do that. All we need is an opportunity to make that case to them specifically as well as to others. I look forward to hearing from the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, as to whether our request for a presentation can be accommodated.

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