Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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377. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline the importance and extent of tourism and trade links between Ireland and Normandy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28760/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The role of the Department 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. It should be noted that, following the making of the recent Government Order, statutory responsibility for the sector will transfer to my colleague Minister Peter Burke from 1 June.

Tourism Ireland is the organisation with responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling holiday and Business Events destination.

Tourism is one of the island’s largest indigenous industries. Of the 300,000 jobs supported island-wide by the tourism industry, around 200,000 jobs are dependent on overseas tourism. Overseas visitors spend more and stay longer, contributing around 66% of total tourism revenue.

France is the fourth-largest source of overseas revenue, nights and tourists for the island of Ireland. In 2023, Ireland welcomed 395,000 French visitors, who spent €362 million during their time here. A breakdown of visitor numbers and spend from Normandy specifically is not possible; however, data shows that approximately 10% of all French visitors came from the north of France.

Tourism Ireland has further information on the French market profile on its corporate website:

With regards to tourism links with Normandy, as an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. Tourism Ireland, therefore, works closely with the ferry companies operating services from Normandy to Ireland, to grow tourism from France. This also aligns with the organisation’s ambitions around slow tourism, as Tourism Ireland raises awareness of SailRail and targets French holidaymakers interested in slow travel / train journeys in Europe.

2027 has been designated as the European ‘Year of the Normans – People of Europe’ and the tourism agencies will be ready to play their part to maximise any opportunities that may arise for tourism from France, and in particular from Normandy, as part of the initiative.

Additionally, in Spring 2023, Tourism Ireland hosted a networking event for travel professionals and media based in Normandy, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections between Normandy and Ireland.