Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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20. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for ecotourism infrastructure in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10092/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As our economy and society begins to open up post COVID-19, we have an opportunity to address sustainable development and management more meaningfully within the tourism ecosystem. Central to developing a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector will be an increased focus on the promotion and development of sustainable tourism practices such as ecotourism. Late last year, I brought a report to Government which identifies a suite of actions that will promote sustainable tourism practices which can be implemented prior to the development of a new national tourism policy. The successful implementation of these actions will shine a light on areas and destinations that are striving to be best in class in terms of sustainability and provide better access to information and tools for the tourism industry and visitors to practice responsible tourism.

I am very aware of the important role that tourism plays as a driver of rural economies and I am committed to a continued focus on the potential of tourism to facilitate the development of our rural areas. As we rebuild our tourism sector we will seek to realise Ireland’s ambition to be amongst the world leaders in sustainable tourism practices and to set out a path for a green transition of the tourism industry and for our destinations to become leading sustainable tourism destinations.

Our overall tourism product offering has led to Ireland being recognised internationally as a year-round, high-quality tourism destination in both urban and rural settings. The further development of our tourism product offering, including any specific plans relating to environmentally sustainable tourism or eco-tourism, is an operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to the agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.