Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Garvey again for raising the matter in the House today. I trust that my earlier response sets out how it is planned to ensure that all regions of County Clare can continue to benefit from tourism in the years ahead. The new tourism policy framework being finalised by the Minister will be critical in ensuring we have a thriving tourism sector in the period up to 2030. While we want tourism to grow, we want it to do so in a sustainable manner that benefits all areas and communities. From the Government's perspective, we will continue to back the tourism sector. The Minister secured funding of €216 million in 2024 to continue support for tourism development at home and among overseas visitors while supporting continued recovery in the sector. The recent budget included an increase of 4% against 2024 figures, which will allow a further significant investment in tourism marketing, product development and investment in sustainability measures.