Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
323. 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 Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15955/26]
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 Kilkenny 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.
In April 2024, Fáilte Ireland launched a Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for Kilkenny which represents a five-year sustainable tourism development plan so that all stakeholders are aligned under a shared vision. Fáilte Ireland are working closely with Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Tourism and key tourism stakeholders and businesses to implement this important plan for Kilkenny.
Current initiatives taking place in Kilkenny includes project funding which has been provided under Fáilte Ireland’s Large Capital Grants Scheme. Fáilte Ireland has allocated €4.5 million for the Medieval Kilkenny Experience, opening the historic Tholsel to visitors for the first time. This interpretive experience will include the Tholsel, Medieval Mile Museum, and St. Mary’s churchyard. This is expected to open in Q1 2027 with the aim of drawing visitors from Kilkenny Castle into the city centre, boosting spend, jobs, and the overall visitor experience.
The "Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy" developed by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland, positions Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween. Through the Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, €2.1 million will be invested in seven locations from 2025–2028, with Kilkenny among the recipients. This scheme seeks to deliver immersive experiences, extend the season into October–November, and stimulate regional economic growth.
Platforms for Growth 2 is a Fáilte Ireland National Capital Investment Scheme which aims to deliver best in class permanent water sports facilities in up to 19 sites across Ireland, opening between 2025-2028. Kilkenny County Council has grant approval of €1.2 million for the development of one of these new water sports facilities on the River Nore in Kilkenny City. The facility will have hot and cold showers, a changing area, secure storage, induction space and accessibility enhancements. Kilkenny County Council is currently finalising a planning application for this facility to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The "Digital that Delivers" initiative operated by Fáilte Ireland drives digital transformation in tourism businesses. Total funding awarded to Kilkenny under this initiative is €1,029,718.56. This figure includes investment grant funding & direct supports (inc. diagnostics, training & mentoring) since 2021. Festivals and events also remain vital to the visitor experience. Through the Regional Festivals Programme and Strategic Festivals Fund, 15 Kilkenny festivals benefited last year, receiving €128,000, which is managed by Kilkenny County Council.
These investments and strategies collectively aim to enhance Kilkenny’s tourism offering, to extend the season, create jobs, and deliver memorable visitor experiences while supporting sustainable regional development.
The National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring counties like Kilkenny can continue to grow sustainably, attract year-round visitors, and deliver wider economic and community benefits across the region.
