Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department propose to take specific initiatives to encourage boost of the tourism industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24541/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am currently progressing the development of a new national tourism policy framework to mainstream sustainability across the entire sector in the period to 2030. While it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner consistent with our broader sustainability targets. While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed in 2023, earlier this year I launched an online survey seeking the views of the public to help finalise the Framework. The online consultation closed on Friday 26 April and 161 responses were received. My department recently completed an analysis of all these submissions and the matters raised will be fully considered when finalising the Policy Framework. In this regard, I hope to publish the Policy Framework itself shortly.

There will be a continued capital investment programme including progressing EU Just Transition Funding to deliver a transformative Regenerative Tourism Scheme for the Midlands. This will be delivered by Fáilte Ireland and marks the beginning of the regenerative tourism development journey in Ireland, as we work towards a low carbon economy.

At the heart of Fáilte Ireland’s work to develop the spatial spread of tourism are four regional experience brands, namely the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin. Fáilte Ireland has developed a Regional Tourism Development Strategy for each brand in partnership with local authorities, state agencies, communities and industry partners. Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) will contribute to the successful implementation of the Regional Tourism Development Strategy. The purpose of the DEDPs is to co-ordinate all tourism development activity in a destination around a single five-year vision which is prepared and owned by both public and private sector stakeholders

Fáilte Ireland's “Digital that Delivers” support programme ensures that Irish tourism businesses maximise sales from online channels, increase reach and bookings through connected distribution. The programme provides participating businesses with training, expert advice, and financial supports to launch key digital projects, develop digital skills and drive more sales and online distribution.

I will continue to advocate for and provide support to the tourism sector as has been the case since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for this vitally important sector.