Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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14. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to encourage those local authorities who are touched by or adjoin the Wild Atlantic Way to develop localised driving routes, off the main route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23237/15]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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​The Wild Atlantic Way has been developed by Fáilte Ireland, working closely with local authorities and local communities, to guide visitors as to what there is to see and do all along the western seaboard, and provide easy access to a range of experiences and so enable local businesses to take advantage of the benefits of the Wild Atlantic Way.  For those communities that are not located directly on the designated signed route, it is important to note 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.

My advice to communities on and near to the Wild Atlantic Way is to examine how they can take advantage of the traffic on the route to generate more visitors and tourism revenue. 

I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that next phase of development for the Wild Atlantic Way in 2016 includes the development of ‘loops’ off the main Wild Atlantic Way spine to further develop and maximise the opportunities presented by it.   This work will involve all stakeholders in each identified ‘loop’ including local authorities and local tourism businesses. 

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. I am therefore referring the question to the agency for direct reply and further information in relation to its detailed operational plans.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.