Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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998. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the success of the Wild Atlantic Way if consideration will be given to sharing the benefit of increased tourism activity by incorporating the entire Shannon Estuary in an alternative route of the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49745/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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While my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism offerings such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred your question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

However, I am aware that the route of the Wild Atlantic Way was developed with the assistance of consultants, Paul Hogarth and Company and, using a collaborative approach, regional steering groups were also convened to inform route development. The steering groups comprised Fáilte Ireland, Local Authorities, local LEADER and Development companies and other key agencies such as Udarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission and others as relevant to each particular region.

It is important to note that the actual route is a device to guide and attract visitors, and that all villages, businesses and geographic areas within close proximity of the route are in essence part of the geography of the Wild Atlantic Way. The purpose of the Wild Atlantic Way is to give guidance to visitors as to what there is to see on our western coast, and provide easy access to a range of experiences along the route.