William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

471. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Transport and local authorities to improve access infrastructure to major tourist regions, including public transport connections, signage and digital navigation tools; the funding which has been allocated to improve these linkages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62209/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department through Fáilte Ireland continues to work closely with the Department of Transport, local authorities, and relevant agencies to ensure that Ireland’s tourism infrastructure supports sustainable access and innovative digital navigation tools in tourist regions.

Fáilte Ireland addresses sustainable transport and access infrastructure through its regional Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These plans include measures to integrate low-carbon mobility options, improve access to public transport and support active travel infrastructure across key tourist regions. They are implemented through a collaborative, multi-year process involving local authorities, state agencies such as the National Transport Authority (NTA), and local tourism stakeholders.

This work includes the Burren and Cliffs Explorer Shuttle Bus, launched in 2024 by Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with support from Fáilte Ireland, connecting towns, villages, and major attractions across North and West Clare. Another example is the traffic management system on Slea Head Drive, introduced by Kerry County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland in 2022 as part of the Dingle DEDP, and enhanced annually since.

Outside of the DEDP process, Fáilte Ireland engages directly with the NTA to promote sustainable transport options aligned with national and regional tourism strategies. Fáilte Ireland also collaborates with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on the development and promotion of greenways, ensuring these routes enhance visitor experiences and contribute to local economies. This includes publishing resources such as the Greenways Visitor Experience Interpretation Toolkit.

TII is responsible for tourist signage on national roads, while local authorities manage signage on regional and local roads. Fáilte Ireland has also developed Pedestrian Signage Guidelines for historic towns, Destination Town Development Guidelines and assists local authorities in creating comprehensive Wayfinding Plans.

Fáilte Ireland promotes sustainable travel through its Discover Ireland platform, offering car-free itineraries and highlighting public transport hubs. Recent campaigns demonstrate how visitors can explore the Wild Atlantic Way without a car, using integrated Transport for Ireland bus routes.

Funding for these initiatives is embedded within the implementation of DEDPs and related collaborative projects with local authorities and state agencies. These investments aim to improve connectivity, encourage sustainable travel, and enhance the overall visitor experience.