Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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113. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the development of the marine tourism strategy, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22411/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that tourism is now the policy responsibility of my colleague, Peter Burke TD. Following the making of a Government Order on Tuesday, statutory responsibility for the sector will transfer to Minister Burke from 1 June.

This Government recognises the central importance of the tourism sector to Ireland's economy and communities.

Marine and coastal tourism has always been a significant element of Ireland's tourism offering. This Government wants the right conditions in place to ensure a thriving tourism sector in 2030 which benefits all areas including those dependent on marine and coastal tourism. The Tourism Policy Framework 2025 – 2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I understand that Minister Peter Burke has asked officials to consider how commitments in the Programme for Government align with the Policy Framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy which reflects the Programme and other Government priorities. It is envisaged that the development of a new Marine Tourism Strategy will be considered as part of this new policy.

In relation to ongoing work, Fáilte Ireland's Regional Tourism Development Strategies and Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) include significant initiatives in coastal areas. For example, the Cliff Coast DEDP focuses on North Kerry and West Clare, aiming to create sustainable tourism by developing unique coastal experiences. Additionally, the Dublin Coastal Trail is being extended to include more coastal villages, enhancing visitor engagement with maritime heritage. These efforts help attract visitors, extend their stays, and support local economies while preserving the natural beauty of Ireland's coastlines. The Cork City, Harbour and East Cork DEDP launched last November provides the strategic framework to prioritise tourism development projects that will attract more visitors to the region and encourage them to stay longer. This includes the development of a visitor attraction of scale for Cork City and enhancing the harbour’s accessibility to create a sustainable visitor amenity that connects communities to the City.

In April 2021, Fáilte Ireland announced a €19 million investment to develop state-of-the-art facilities for outdoor water-based activities as part of its Platforms for Growth 2 investment grant-aid scheme. There are 19 sites across the country that will benefit from this scheme. Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points. Accessibility and sustainability will be key focus points for the projects, ensuring full wheelchair access and the installation of solar heating panels.

This investment scheme, developed in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the local authorities, will support the local economy and the outdoor activity sector by significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience, providing new business opportunities in local communities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.? Individual projects are advancing through the different development stages with a number expected to open later this year.