Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy knows that. He also knows that this Government put in place the funding for the Wild Atlantic Way. Last Friday, I was in Donegal, where I met hoteliers, restaurateurs and bicycle and boat suppliers, all of whom are delighted with what is happening with the Wild Atlantic Way. The site in question is a very sensitive site and we must be very careful about how it is developed. There were initiatives that had to be dealt with.

They are now dealt with. Fáilte Ireland will make the decisions in future. The Government has always said that the Wild Atlantic Way will be a ten-year plan. We are into the third year and the Wild Atlantic Way is working. A meeting in Donegal last week was the first time those in the tourism sector took the view that there was a way forward and that something was happening for their area. I am delighted that the local community and businesses, including hoteliers and restaurateurs as well as all the other people involved in tourism, are buying into the Wild Atlantic Way.

Malin Head is one of the three designated areas for signature points. Donegal is getting three of these. We will develop them and it will take time, but that is a matter for Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland will respond to Deputy McConalogue. This Government has provided €10 million. Last week, we provided €3.5 million for signs for signature and photographic points. Everyone in Donegal was delighted last week. I never saw those in the tourism sector happier since I came into it.

I will finish by putting this much on the record. When Deputy McConalogue's Government was in office it was unable to deliver the Wild Atlantic Way. A total of 7.5 million people came into this country last year and 220,000 people are employed in tourism. I am delighted to say that the people of Donegal see a way forward now. They are delighted with the Wild Atlantic Way and we will deliver it.

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