Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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580. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made on the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a wild Atlantic walkway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41300/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. Implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as other bodies. The development of the Wild Atlantic Walkway is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I understand that work on this project has been severely hampered by the impact of Covid-19 over the past twelve months. The Wild Atlantic Walkway however remains a priority for Fáilte Ireland, who will plan the project's next steps in Q4 of this year.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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581. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made on the commitment in the Programme for Government to engage with local communities along the seaboard between Carlingford, County Louth and Cobh, County Cork to establish a continuous coastal experience for visitors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41301/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. Implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as other bodies. I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Irish Seaway project, the development of which is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.

Given the devastating impact Covid has had on the tourism industry, Fáilte Ireland’s focus over the last 15 months has been on supporting the tourism sector to survive the pandemic. I understand that initial reviews in respect of the Irish Seaway project have been undertaken by Fáilte Ireland to understand existing infrastructure. However, site visits were not possible due to public health restrictions amid the Covid pandemic and as gatherings were also not permitted, no community engagement has been undertaken. Prior to any engagement with communities, an understanding of the scale of the project and a feasibility study will be required. This work is scheduled to commence in 2022.