Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to note the kind response to my family members coming to the House. I especially thank the Chair for acknowledging my aunt.

I wish to raise the issue of the Wild Atlantic Way and its success. That infrastructure, starting in Kinsale and continuing all along the west coast, has been a fantastic success. As a consequence, the west coast and the southern region are alive with tourists. An issue, however, has emerged over the last few weeks or months. A review of the Wild Atlantic Way to consider the inclusion of other areas was proposed. I refer to Union Hall in particular. The Minister visited Union Hall last July and announced that a review would be carried out early in 2018. He said there would be a comprehensive review with a new link in Union Hall proposed for this summer season. That has not happened yet. We need to examine the Wild Atlantic Way, pursue this review and ensure that these small beautiful villages all along the west and south coasts of Ireland can be included in this unbelievable story. The Wild Atlantic Way has changed the outlook for tourism in the towns and villages along that driving route. We need to work with that key infrastructure and expand it. I welcome the review; I just need it to happen. We must make sure that those towns and villages that are slightly off the Wild Atlantic Way are included.