Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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3. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken by her Department to increase the tourism potential of County Louth and east Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24349/24]

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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What steps are being taken by the Minister's Department to increase the tourism potential of County Louth and east Meath? It has become evident that the tourism market is not only resilient but also evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic world. Could the Minister make a statement, please?

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Meath and Louth are included in the Ireland's Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 launched by Fáilte Ireland in May 2023. This roadmap for the tourism industry and all stakeholders involved in tourism in the region will help to navigate through the current challenges and steer a course towards a sustainable recovery and continued success. The plan sets out a strategic approach to unlocking the commercial potential of Ireland's Ancient East. It provides a framework for tourism development that is sustainable and regenerative and within which the benefits accrue to local communities and to nature.

The implementation of the destination experience development plan, Ancient, continues to strengthen the tourism proposition in counties Louth and Meath. Aligned closely with the objectives of the regional brand strategy of Ireland's Ancient East, it continues to help in unlocking the economic growth potential of the destination.

Since the launch of the plan in May 2021, 26 of its 84 projects have been completed and a further 41 are in progress across its four strategic pillars. Key achievements in 2023 included the completion of a plan to re-imagine the Boyne Valley Drive, the development of an outdoor destination orientation development plan for Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula, and the continued growth of the world-class Púca Festival, all of which have contributed greatly to the status of Louth and Meath as an emerging tourism destination.

Since the launch of the plan, Fáilte Ireland has also provided industry supports to some 250 participants across numerous Fáilte Ireland training programmes and facilitated the creation of 60 leisure and food saleable experiences, with more to come across all sectors.

Currently, Fáilte Ireland is conducting a mid-term review of the destination experience development plan, Ancient, to ensure it is updated to reflect present-day challenges – for example, climate action targets, changing consumer trends and the digitisation of the industry.

Also being considered are the many opportunities that lie ahead, such as the recently established Boyne Valley national park, the Boyne Valley greenway and the recent shared island investments at Narrow Water Bridge on Carlingford Lough and Oldbridge House on the River Boyne.

Fáilte Ireland continues to roll out the destination plan, working together with the industry, key strategic partners Meath and Louth county councils, and the Office of Public Works under the guidance of the destination plan steering group.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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This year will be remembered as one in which businesses struggled with rising costs, labour challenges and increased VAT. While many businesses may be enjoying a good trading year, the performance of tourism has not been even across the country, which shifts in volumes, values and the profiles of businesses across the market.

In February, I was delighted to see the Battle of the Boyne visitor site at Oldbridge benefit from an investment of €10 million to reflect its unique historic significance to communities both North and South. This was to improve the business experience. However, there is no doubt that the closure of an operating hotel in Drogheda that was one of the only local places of accommodation for tourists and casual visitors, and the associated loss of jobs, has had a significant effect on south County Louth. Have there been additional measures to support downstream businesses whose revenue has dropped mainly because local tourism accommodation is being used to accommodate Ukraine's refugees and international protection applicants? While I acknowledge that Ireland is legally required under EU law to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection, the people of Drogheda have voiced their concerns to me and it would be remiss of me not to raise this issue on their behalf. Are there any further measures anticipated to assist the tourism sector in advance of the summer season?

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The importance of the tourism sector to the Irish economy and communities in every corner of Ireland is well understood. It is recognised that the use of tourist accommodation to support the Government's response to the humanitarian crisis has impacted the sector. In budget 2024, the Government allocated a total of €216 million in funding for the sector, which will allow for continued support for tourism development in Ireland for local and overseas visitors. Within this overall allocation, up to €10 million is available for a specific programme of supports targeted at tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in the regions most impacted by tourism bed displacement. This programme of supports developed and administered by Fáilte Ireland includes a business support scheme, investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.

The Deputy mentioned €10 million for downstream tourism businesses. That scheme is closed to applications and is currently being assessed by Fáilte Ireland. We expect an announcement shortly.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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I welcome the announcement made by the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, that €250 million will be available for sports capital and that every valid application will receive an allocation. I welcome that.

I wish to ask about the large infrastructure sports grant, funding from which has not been released since 2018. I welcome that the Government has given €50 million towards a new stadium at Casement Park. A new stadium is being built in Louth at the moment. Would the Minister and the Minister of State consider coming down to look at the new stadium? Louth is the only county in the country that has no stadium. Its representatives are working closely with the immigrant investor programme, IIP, and with Croke Park. There is an opportunity for the Government to assist with the shortfall of money. I ask the Minister and the Minister of State to consider coming down. The new stadium will help all Thirty-two Counties. It will also help the connection between North and South and everything else. The project has been awaited for 65 years. I ask the Minister about the large infrastructure sports grant and if she would consider coming down to have a look at the new Louth stadium.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The sports capital announcement of €250 million is the largest ever investment in sporting facilities nationwide. It represents a 50% increase on the previous round. As the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and I stated yesterday, it means that all applications for valid projects will receive positive news. We expect that to happen in the early autumn. That is really a signal of the determination of the Government, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and I to transform the sporting landscape for every town, village and city in Ireland.

It is significant that the large scale sport infrastructure fund is open for applications. The closing date in 1 July. It is up to each sporting body. In the case referenced by the Deputy, the GAA must list its priorities to help with applications. That would help those applications.