Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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My Department's primary role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy.  It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.

In this regard, Fáilte Ireland is delivering its Food Tourism Activity Plan which has as its vision that "Ireland will be recognised by visitors for memorable food experiences which evoke a unique sense of place, culture and hospitality".  To achieve that vision, Fáilte Ireland increasingly plays a collaborative, curator-type role, whereby it sets the overall framework and direction for enhancing food experiences and then guides and enables the efforts of those delivering it. 

Fáilte Ireland will continue to implement its vision for food tourism in 2017, through the support of food festivals, the development of food trails and the work of Fáilte Ireland's network of food tourism champions who encourage businesses to co-operate to produce high quality food products, events and experiences.

Taste Leitrim is an online guide to places to eat, food experiences, and drink and food producers in Co. Leitrim.  The website allows hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs and food and drink producers to advertise their businesses and products through short videos, photographs, descriptions and maps.  It also advertises six "Taste Trails".

Although Taste Leitrim did not avail of Fáilte Ireland sector supports in 2016, initiatives such as this are very much in line with the Agency's food tourism policy in their promotion of local food and drink establishments and products, development of food trails, and support and utilisation of existing tourism brands such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Blueways.