Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I will make a few points before turning to my script.

I am glad that the tourism interest groups are meeting in County Donegal because the Deputy who comes from that county is aware there was a time when visitors travelled as far as Bundoran and went no further. If the Wild Atlantic Way has done one thing, it has certainly brought tourists into County Donegal. Those involved in the tourism trade tell me it has been one of the greatest developments ever in terms of tourism in County Donegal. I have come under a lot of pressure from my two colleagues, the Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, and Deputy Dinny McGinley, who have been providing me with updates on what is happening. I heard there were some complaints the other night about developments by the Government in County Donegal, but I will be responding to them within the week because I intend to issue a press release outlining what the Government has delivered, not only in the past year but also in the past five years since it took office. I can assure the Deputy that it has invested substantially in County Donegal.

I again 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 native county to west Cork. As he is aware, 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 County Donegal, it is of the greatest importance, marking the most northerly signature point on the route, and already an iconic location.

While my Department provides funding for Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not involved in developing or managing such projects. The allocation of grant funding is a matter for the board of Fáilte Ireland. Funding was provided in 2014 and 2015 for capital investment in 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 has also worked with Donegal County Council on a programme of remedial works for the Wild Atlantic Way discovery points. There are 36 such points in County Donegal, including ten in Inishowen, and this work is 90% complete in the county. The next stage of infrastructural development to be rolled out along the Wild Atlantic Way is the installation of photo points and interpretation panels at all 188 discovery and embarkation points, of which there are 36 in County Donegal.

Both Fáilte Ireland and I appreciate fully the need for State investment in tourist facilities at Malin Head. Fáilte Ireland regards Malin as a priority location for investment. It should be noted that any development work at the site must also enhance the visitor experience at the location and allow for better visitor flow, as well as ensuring the protection of the natural environment. I am sure the Deputy will agree that in taking forward this development, both Fáilte Ireland and Donegal County Council must have regard to the sensitivity of the landscape. It is important to note that Fáilte Ireland recently completed a strategic environmental assessment of the full Wild Atlantic Way initiative. Given the environmental sensitivity of Malin Head, completing this assessment was essential prior to awarding funding to Donegal County Council to develop plans for the site.

In respect of the Malin Head discovery point, an application for phase 2, car park and toilets, has been submitted to Fáilte Ireland by Donegal County Council and is due to be considered by the authority next week. I am sure the Deputy is aware of this as, Deputy Dinny McGinley and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, are aware of it. In conjunction with this, the Fáilte Ireland authority will consider awarding technical assistance to Donegal County Council for the further development of a more comprehensive and integrated plan that will reflect the significance of Malin Head. While the route is still in the process of being developed fully, the Wild Atlantic Way has 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 year before the route receives the recognition it needs and deserves among potential tourists.

I am happy that the Wild Atlantic Way project will bring more overseas visitors to County Donegal and, in particular, Inishowen. The Government, Fáilte Ireland and I are committed to tourism and balanced regional development and seek to make the most of what each part of the country has to offer. I am sure we can now move forward to realise the potential Malin Head has to offer.

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