Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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684. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the recent proposals submitted by a political party (details supplied) in respect of including Down and Armagh in Ireland's Ancient East Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17473/23]

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 and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies. The Department and both tourism agencies will continue to foster north-south co-operation to enhance an all-island tourism offering and grow international visitor numbers to the entire island.

With regard to marketing the specific areas to which the Deputy refers, Fáilte Ireland will continue to develop, support and promote tourism across all of its brands, including Ireland’s Ancient East Experience Brand. Because Fáilte Ireland's remit does not extend outside the State, it is not possible to include any part of Northern Ireland in the Ireland’s Ancient East experience brand.

However, there is a great opportunity to further develop on-island cross border tourism. Shared Island funding of €7.6 million has recently been allocated for a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative, connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in the North West. This project will be developed and implemented over the next three years and will build on the international reputations of these two magnificent tourist routes.