Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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47. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on plans to promote and develop marine and coastal tourism in Dublin Bay north, including initiatives to support local tour operators and local businesses that rely on seasonal visitor traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62163/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I should clarify that regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders.

Fáilte Ireland is actively promoting and developing marine and coastal tourism in Dublin Bay North through a range of strategic initiatives. The Dublin Coastal Trail, launched in 2022, provides a flagship framework to showcase Dublin’s coastline from Skerries to Killiney. There are currently 11 stops on the Trail, with a further five planned, extending to Balbriggan, Donabate, Clontarf, Dublin Port and Blackrock, and integrating the new Dublin Port Greenway. This expansion will further enhance visitor orientation and encourage the dispersal of seasonal traffic across coastal communities.

Through the Destination Towns Scheme, Fáilte Ireland has invested in Skerries in partnership with Fingal County Council. The St. Patrick’s Way & Art Trail, developed between 2020–2023, enriches the visitor experience with a 5km walking route linking Skerries Mills, South Strand, North Beach and the town centre. Map boards and information points highlight the town’s historical, natural and cultural gems, strengthening its appeal as a coastal destination.

Work has also commenced on the Dublin Coast Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP). The plan is being developed in close collaboration with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, key agencies, tourism businesses and community stakeholders. The DEDP will provide a strategic framework to grow marine and coastal tourism, strengthen seasonal visitor flows, and empower local operators to deliver distinctive experiences.

Importantly, Fáilte Ireland is a named partner in the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere, ensuring that tourism growth is aligned with sustainability and environmental stewardship. Fáilte Ireland continues to invest in seasonal events such as NYF in Howth and the Home of Halloween Fingal Hub, which drive off-season tourism and provide direct support to local businesses. Fáilte Ireland also offers tailored brand toolkits, marketing resources and business-to-business promotional content designed to empower local tour operators and small enterprises to create and showcase memorable visitor experiences that drive regional tourism growth. Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive programme to grow marine and coastal tourism in Dublin Bay North, while empowering local businesses and operators to sustain long-term regional growth and deliver memorable visitor experiences.

In line with the Government’s commitment under the Programme for Government, I will officially launch Ireland’s new National Tourism Policy Statement in early December.

The new policy will prioritise increasing visitor numbers, boosting revenue, and supporting employment. It will place a strong emphasis on SMEs, sustainability, and digital transformation. It will also reinforce tourism’s role in balanced regional development, with an emphasis on marine and coastal tourism. This includes targeted investment in regional tourism infrastructure, support for regenerative tourism projects, and initiatives to promote Ireland’s diverse tourism destinations.

Building on the objectives of the 2024 Tourism Policy Framework, the Statement will retain a strong focus on sustainability while responding to the Government’s broader ambition to diversify Ireland’s tourism offering and source markets. It will place the competitiveness of SMEs at the heart of our developmental approach, ensuring the sector continues to contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s economy. This Government is committed to growing and strengthening Ireland’s tourism industry. Through the implementation of the new National Policy Statement, we will showcase Ireland as a high-quality and accessible destination for both domestic and overseas visitors.