Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that Bord Fáilte regards Malin Head as a priority location for investment but it is crucial that there is no delay in the development of tourist facilities there. Donegal County Council is working with Bord Fáilte to deliver the project in three phases. The first phase, which involves construction of the walkways and viewing platform, is complete. Planning permission was granted this week for phase two, which will provide toilets and car parking facilities. Phase three will involve the development of an iconic destination facility at Malin Head as a major attraction for tourists.

There should be no delay in providing basic facilities for tourists, including toilets and additional parking spaces for buses and cars. Currently, there are no toilet facilities on Malin Head even though it is visited by 100,000 people every year. Work also needs to continue on the iconic project. I ask the Minister to emphasise to Bord Fáilte the importance of backing financially the phase two development. The future is bright for Malin Head and tourism in County Donegal. It is time that Malin Head took its place as one of Ireland's key tourist attractions. That will require everyone to work together. I thank the local community, Malin Head community association, Inishowen Development Partnership, local representatives and, in particular, Councillor Martin McDermott for their efforts with Donegal County Council and Bord Fáilte to progress this project. I look forward to working with the Minister and other stakeholders to develop Malin Head to its full potential.

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