Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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41. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to promote eco-tourism in Cork south-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3556/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I refer the Deputy to Question No. 140 of 20 January 2022, when the matter of eco-tourism was addressed.

It is a priority of my Department 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 eco-tourism.

In this regard, my Department has initiated the development of a new national sustainable tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. This policy commitment will seek to deliver on Ireland’s ambition to be amongst the world-leaders in sustainable tourism practises from not only an environmental viewpoint but also a social and economic perspective.

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. With regards to specific areas of the country and the further development of plans relating to environmentally sustainable tourism or eco-tourism, this is an operational matter 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.