Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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352. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being taken to promote tourism in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29395/26]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Tourism in County Longford is being actively promoted through a coordinated programme of investment, destination development, and marketing initiatives which are being led by Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Longford County Council, state agencies and local tourism businesses.

Longford is a key beneficiary of the national Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, which provides a clear roadmap to grow sustainable and regenerative tourism that benefits local communities while protecting natural and cultural assets. Central to this strategy is the activation of the Royal Canal Greenway, Ireland’s longest Greenway, where the longest continuous county stretch is in Longford. Significant work has been undertaken to animate the Greenway through industry familiarisation visits, cross-selling workshops, learning journeys, and family-focused guides, which aid in improving dwell time and spend in towns and villages along the route.

Major capital investment is also underway through the "EU Just Transition Fund". County Longford is included in a €68 million regenerative tourism and placemaking programme for the Midlands. This includes funding for new accommodation, bike hire, craft experiences and accessibility projects, alongside Bord na Móna’s €3.6 million Trail Development Scheme, which will deliver new walking and cycling routes linking Longford communities to the Shannon and Royal Canal corridors.

Under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, Longford plays a strategic role in enhancing the Shannon and Shannon–Erne waterways. Discovery Points with bilingual interpretation and public art installations are being delivered at locations including Lanesborough, Cloondara Harbour and Red Bridge, with completion expected in 2026. These initiatives will increase north–south travel, lengthen stays and enrich the visitor experience in the region.

Tourism businesses in Longford are also supported through Fáilte Ireland operated programmes such as “Digital that Delivers”, investment grant-aid schemes for SMEs, learning networks, and the "Champions Programme", ensuring improved digital capability, customer service standards, accessibility and sustainability. €53,166 has been allocated to Longford businesses through the "Digital that Delivers" programme which supports digital transformation within the sector comprising of investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training.

Tourism promotion in County Longford is strongly supported through targeted investment in festivals and events, recognised by Fáilte Ireland as a key driver of off-season and regional tourism growth. Longford County Council receives funding under the Regional Festivals Fund and a dedicated Food Festival Fund, supporting a diverse annual programme. Flagship events include the Gaelforce Trilogy Swim at Lanesborough, which attracts domestic and international participants, and Halloween-themed programming delivered through the Samhain Possession and Home of Halloween Destination Development schemes. These initiatives increase visitor numbers, extend dwell time, boost the night-time economy and strengthen Longford’s profile within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Marketing and demand generation are driven nationally through campaigns such as “Keep Discovering” and “Find Yourself on a Short Break”, with Longford featured prominently across television, print, social media, photography, press and digital toolkits.

Taken together, these measures demonstrate a strong, ongoing commitment to promoting County Longford as a distinctive, year-round tourism destination, supporting jobs, regional balance and sustainable economic growth.