Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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476. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) concerning the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16302/15]

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 the question to the agency for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

The Deputy should be aware that the route of the Wild Atlantic Way was developed using a collaborative approach; regional steering groups were convened to inform route development. The steering groups comprised Fáilte Ireland, Local Authorities, local LEADER and Development companies and other key agencies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission and others as relevant to each particular region.

For those communities that are not on the specific route it is important to note that the Wild Atlantic Way is not simply a touring route but is rather a means to guide and attract visitors, and that all villages, businesses and geographic areas within close proximity of the route, such as Cromane, are in essence part of the geography of the Wild Atlantic Way.  The purpose of the 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 and near the route and so enable local businesses to take full advantage of the benefits of the route.