Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I warmly welcome the restoration of the Assembly and Executive. I look forward to working closely with my counterpart in the Executive and to the early convening of the North–South Ministerial Council. In fact, I have already made contact with the office of the minister, Conor Murphy, to set up a call at the earliest opportunity. The North–South Ministerial Council will play a key role in the period ahead in ensuring we make the most of shared opportunities, including supporting the all-island economy, which continues to be a source of prosperity, growth and livelihoods for many from all communities across this island.

The importance of tourism to the economy on both sides of the Border and the joint approach to the promotion and development of the sector led to tourism being one of the areas chosen for formal North–South co-operation, through the structures created by the Good Friday Agreement. That co-operation has been hugely beneficial and the tourism sector is an exemplar of what can be achieved when we work together on this island with a shared purpose and for clear mutual benefit.

I believe there is great tourism potential through the further development of cross-Border tourism initiatives. My Department has had extensive engagement with the Department of the Taoiseach regarding shared island funding, the result being that €7.6 million was allocated out to 2025 for a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in the north-west region. This project is being developed and implemented by the three tourism agencies on the island and will build on the international reputations of these two magnificent tourist routes.

North–South engagement and collaboration in the area of tourism has added value to the marketing of the island to potential overseas visitors for both jurisdictions. There have been significant achievements in this area, including the development of screen tourism and the maximisation of the tourism benefits of major sporting events, such as the return of the Irish Open to Royal Portrush in 2025 and the joint hosting of the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship, will also create much excitement and potential opportunities for the entire island.

My Department and the tourism agencies will continue to foster North–South co-operation to enhance an all-island tourism offering and make the most of these shared opportunities. This includes supporting Tourism Ireland in its mission to increase the value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland, sustainably supporting the environment, communities and economies.

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