Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department encourages the creation of historical or heritage journeys in respect of various heritage sites throughout the country in a way similar to the development of the Wild Atlantic Way and other similar initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27352/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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219. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department has evaluated the economic potential of various local, historical and heritage sites throughout the country with a view to their further utilisation for tourism purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27350/18]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.

Promoting and leveraging the appeal of Ireland's history, culture and heritage for the benefit of tourism and the local and national economy is an intrinsic element of all the tourism experience brands. With specific regard to historical and heritage sites and their related tourism product offering, these are particularly to the fore in Ireland's Ancient East, which has an especially rich and diverse range of heritage experiences including passage tombs, monastic sites and medieval castles.

Researching and developing attractions and experiences relating to our heritage offering (including trails/touring routes and other ways of linking various historical or heritage sites), as well as associated promotions and enterprise supports, are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. My Department is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects or programmes.

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland and asked them to provide further information. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.