Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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302. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to consider implementing a dedicated tourism marketing support package for those towns and villages transitioning from housing BOTBs back to tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40927/26]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To date the Government has made significant progress in returning tourist accommodation in use for humanitarian purposes back to the sector. Fáilte Ireland analysis shows that the proportion of registered tourist accommodation under contract to the State has reduced from 13% nationally in May 2023 to approximately 5% by November 2025, with continued reduction expected. This is helping to increase overall capacity and support the recovery of affected destinations.

As the Deputy will be aware, the government agreed a range of measures in relation to Ukrainian citizens with Temporary Protection status on 26th May, including the phasing out of the contracting of state accommodation, which will take place between August 2026 and March 2027.

While some towns and villages may find it challenging to transition from the use of tourist accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection back to core tourism activity, I can assure the Deputy that the range of supports provided by Fáilte Ireland continue to be available to tourism accommodation providers in these towns and villages.

Fáilte Ireland already has a comprehensive marketing strategy in place, which is strongly aligned with the objective of supporting regional recovery and balanced tourism growth. Its focus is on inspiring domestic consumers to take short breaks across the country, thereby driving demand into towns and villages, particularly outside the traditional peak season. The domestic market represents the strongest opportunity in this regard, as Irish residents are more likely to travel year-round and explore a wider range of destinations, supporting regional dispersal of tourism activity.

In March 2026, Fáilte Ireland launched its new national campaign, “Find Yourself on a Short Break”, which is specifically designed to increase demand for short breaks and to promote a compelling, year-round tourism offering. This campaign is being delivered across advertising, digital, partnerships and social platforms, and highlights the breadth of experiences available across all regions, including those areas that are now transitioning tourist accommodation back into the market.

In addition to national marketing activity, Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Local Authorities, support local recovery and development through its Destination and Experience Development Plans, which provide a structured, collaborative framework to extend the tourism season, enhance visitor experiences, and strengthen towns and villages as attractive visitor hubs. These plans emphasise the promotion of local culture, heritage, and natural assets while advancing priority projects that support sustainable growth.

Local Authorities play a central role in this process by understanding the distinct needs of each area and working with communities to address key priorities such as infrastructure and sustainability through targeted, place-based approaches, ensuring balanced and long-term tourism development. The Local Authorities themselves also develop and implement their own tourism strategies, which are intended to consider and respond to the specific needs and challenges of the towns and villages in their area.

Looking ahead, my Department is progressing a Tourist Accommodation Strategy, as committed to under A New Era for Irish Tourism. This strategy will provide a clear framework to strengthen and expand Ireland’s tourist accommodation base, improve accessibility across price points, and support balanced regional growth. It will play an important role in ensuring that those towns and villages transitioning back to tourism are well-positioned to benefit from future demand. A public consultation is currently open to inform the development of this Strategy, details of which are available on Public consultation on the development of a Tourist Accommodation Strategy The closing date for submissions is the 29th May.

I am confident that the collective impact of the measures I have outlined above, such as Fáilte Ireland’s targeted domestic campaigns, destination development supports, and broader strategic initiatives, will help to ensure that communities are actively supported in rebuilding and growing their tourism offering in a sustainable way.