Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Wild Atlantic Way project. [32048/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.

However, I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the first phase of the project is being implemented, at a cost of €1.8m, on a pilot basis in Connemara. Fáilte Ireland are currently working on the development of a single brand for the Wild Atlantic Way and will partner with local authorities along the West Coast to identify the precise route.

I further understand that the route plan will be delivered through four regional steering groups, comprised of Fáilte Ireland, the Local Authorities, the National Roads Authority and other key stakeholders. There will be extensive trade and public consultation as part of this process. Work will then begin on the detailed planning of the various sections of the route. Interpretation and infrastructure plans, like the pilot plan recently launched for Connemara, will be prepared for each section along the Wild Atlantic Way.