Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
322. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the new tourism policy A New Era for Irish Tourism will support tourism development in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15954/26]
View answerIn December 2025, my Department published the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This five-year strategy provides a clear framework to guide the development of tourism over this period. A central aim is to deliver greater regional balance so that counties like Carlow can benefit from a strong and competitive tourism offering.
A Tourism Policy Oversight Group will be established to oversee implementation and report on progress. This group will comprise representatives from Government, tourism agencies, industry bodies, local authorities and other strategic partners.
Current initiatives in Carlow includes work on the Carlow DEDP, a five-year sustainable tourism development plan, which commenced in September 2025. Fáilte Ireland anticipates that the plan will be completed in late 2026, subject to the timely completion of the required environmental assessments.
Furthermore, the Barrow Tourism Masterplan will be delivered under a strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland will lead on the project and also Chair the project Steering Group. The Masterplan will set out a long-term, sustainable tourism vision for the River Barrow corridor, and substantial progress is expected during 2026.
Fáilte Ireland continues to support tourism businesses in Carlow to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities. The “Digital that Delivers” programme, which supports digital transformation within the sector, has awarded a total of €311,855 to Carlow businesses, comprising investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training.
Festivals and events remain central to enhancing the visitor experience. The Pan Celtic International Festival and other events in Carlow have received regional festival funding in recent years. Carlow County Council also secured €500,000 under the Destination Towns scheme, funded through Project Ireland 2040, to develop Carlow’s visitor appeal. The upgraded project was officially launched in April 2024.
For 2026, Fáilte Ireland will continue to prioritise the following areas to support Carlow tourism:
• Sustainability and the Carlow Garden Trail:
Building on the sustainability programme, Fáilte Ireland will work with members of the Carlow Garden Trail to strengthen the sustainability narrative in their marketing and help position Carlow as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
• Industry Capability and Business Growth:
Ongoing engagement by Fáilte Ireland with local industry will focus on building capacity, enhancing capability, and supporting actions that directly contribute to business and destination growth.
• Business Clusters and Collaboration:
Clusters identified in the Carlow DEDP will be supported to foster collaboration, share best practice, and access tools and information to develop high quality visitor experiences.
• Key Account Management:
Fáilte Ireland will continue to work closely with selected key tourism businesses in Carlow, identifying business critical challenges, generating insights, and converting opportunities into revenue growth and enhanced visitor offerings.
The National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring counties like Carlow can continue to grow sustainably, attract year-round visitors, and deliver wider economic and community benefits across the region.”
