
Mid-Term Tourism Report
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin T.D. has reported on some of the key achievements in the first half of this year which have helped support tourism.
Minister Martin said:
“We continue to provide strong support to the tourism sector in its journey towards full recovery post-Covid. Earlier this year we undertook a public consultation process on our new Tourism Policy Framework which will shape how tourism develops in a sustainable way in Ireland in the period to 2030. I expect to publish that new policy in the coming months. The capital development pipeline for tourism remains open, and I was pleased to open the new Queen Maeve Square in Sligo, which has transformed the space into an attractive public square and orientation hub that will undoubtedly attract both national and international visitors.”
Minister Martin also highlighted ongoing north/south cooperation in tourism, which continues to deepen with the resumption of the North-South Ministerial Council.
“At the North-South Ministerial Council Tourism Sectoral in June, I agreed with Minister Conor Murphy to the establishment of a Joint Strategic Coordination Group to identify and examine opportunities that will support the sustainable development of the tourism sector across the island.”
Some of the key measures introduced to date in 2024 to help support tourism include:
- New Chief Executive Officer and board members appointed to Tourism Ireland.
- Opinions sought on the future of Irish tourism.
- “Just Transition” first phase funding of €24M allocated by Fáilte Ireland.
- Work continues on the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project which aims to create greater links between two iconic coastal routes.
- North South Ministerial Council – Minister Martin affirms commitment to work together with all stakeholders towards achieving a sustainable tourism sector.
- Targeted supports delivered to tourism businesses most affected by accommodation stock displacement.
- The continuous provision of capital funding to ensure the sustainable development of tourism product across the regions.