Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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480. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will visit County Louth and meet with tourism interests; if he will ask Fáilte Ireland to address its omissions regarding County Louth in the recent Fáilte Ireland ancient Ireland east map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16478/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The role of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy.  The development of Ireland's Ancient East is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.  The Department is not directly involved in its development or promotion.  Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply to the Deputy directly in this regard.  Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.

I do note that Ireland's Ancient East is a promotional and developmental proposition and not a specifically defined geographical area - although equally I observed at its recent launch that the illustrative map used in initial promotional material clearly includes the whole of County Louth, from the Boyne to the Cooley Peninsula.  It is my hope to visit County Louth, along with many other parts of the country, but you will appreciate that there are many demands on my diary over the coming months and I cannot make a formal commitment at this time.