Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her time today. I welcome her announcement. As the Minister heard, all across Ireland there are incredible attractions. However, we need to talk about our natural resources as well, such as our cycleways, walkways and railways, and how we are connecting people and bringing them together. We have that in heart of Ballinasloe.

I ask the Minister about the Fáilte Ireland and perhaps the River Shannon master plan. How will we promote the tributaries that come into the River Shannon, such as the Sooke River and the water-based activities around those rivers? This is so crucial to well-being, mental health and local communities, especially when we do not have parks in many of our towns. Imagine living out in the countryside but not having a safe place to walk because there is no park. I also ask the Minister the importance of waymarked trails, such as the Hymany and Beara-Breifne ways, coming through Cork and all the counties. That is such an important route. I know there is a focus on investment in that as well. It is going through so many counties.

How does Fáilte Ireland see its role in promoting conservation projects, in terms of the tourism and education value, and particularly, for example, Galway’s Living Bog in Mountbellew? We also have the Ballydangan Bog red grouse project, which is number one in terms of protecting curlews and red grouse. They are driving ahead and forging a path. How can we also use that to promote tourism?