Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's first long distance touring route. It stretches along the Atlantic coast from the Deputy's county to west Cork. Funding was provided in 2014 and 2015 for capital investment for the development of the route. This funding was initially directed towards route signage and developing the 160 discovery points along the route. Last year, Fáilte Ireland and Donegal County Council completed the Wild Atlantic Way signage programme in the Inishowen area. Fáilte Ireland also worked with Donegal County Council on a programme of remedial works for Wild Atlantic Way discovery points. There are 36 of these in Donegal, including ten in Inishowen. This work is 90% complete in Donegal.

The next stage of infrastructural development which will be rolled out along the Wild Atlantic Way in 2015 is the installation of photo points and interpretation panels at all 188 discovery and embarkation points, of which there are 36 in Donegal. These panels are being fabricated and their installation will commence in Donegal in July. While the route is still being fully developed, the Wild Atlantic Way has already become a central part of our overseas promotion. That said, given how long it takes to get on the international travel map, I expect it will be this year and next before the route gets the recognition it needs and deserves among potential tourists. I am happy that the Wild Atlantic Way project will bring more overseas visitors to Donegal and in particular to Inishowen.

As the Deputy knows, Donegal is greatly renowned for its rugged coast and attractive beaches and is steeped in history and folklore. The area has something for all tastes, including walking, fishing, swimming and photography. It is also close to the splendid golf courses in Inishowen, such as Portsalon and Ballyliffin. Malin Head is a key signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way and a key stop on the route. While it is one of three signature points on the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal, it is of the greatest importance, marking the most northerly signature point on the route and is already an iconic location.

Regarding further development of Malin Head discovery point, while my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not, as the Deputy has acknowledged, involved in developing or managing these projects. The allocation of grant funding is a matter for the board of Fáilte Ireland. However, I am aware that planning permission was granted this week for some basic facilities at Malin. I am also aware that Fáilte Ireland is working closely with Donegal County Council on the development of a more comprehensive and integrated plan that will reflect the significance of the Malin Head signature point. This will hopefully lead to an application by Donegal County Council for funding for the development of Malin Head. In taking this development forward, both Fáilte Ireland and the council must have regard to the sensitivity of the landscape. That said, both Fáilte Ireland and I fully appreciate the need for State investment in tourist facilities at Malin Head. Fáilte Ireland regards Malin as a priority location for investment.

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