Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
499. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific supports that are available through Fáilte Ireland to assist in the development and promotion of tourism infrastructure in County Laois and the wider Midlands region, in order to enhance regional visitor numbers and economic activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30554/26]
View answerThe Government recognises tourism as a vital driver of regional economic development and employment, with County Laois and the wider Midlands region playing an integral role in the success of Ireland’s Ancient East. Through Fáilte Ireland, working in partnership with local authorities, local enterprise offices and regional stakeholders, a range of targeted supports is available to assist in the development and promotion of tourism infrastructure and experiences in the region.
County Laois is included within Fáilte Ireland’s Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, which provides a clear roadmap for sustainable tourism growth. The strategy focuses on motivating domestic and international visitors, encouraging longer stays, improving accessibility and navigation, and strengthening industry capability, while ensuring benefits accrue to local communities and the natural environment.
Fáilte Ireland also delivers destination and experience development planning, while working closely with Local Authorities, Ireland’s Ancient East regional teams, and bodies such as the Laois Chamber Alliance and Laois Tourism. These plans help identify priority projects, strengthen the quality of visitor experiences and ensure alignment with national branding and international market demand.
As part of this work, the Laois Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP) is currently being advanced. This is a five-year tourism plan developed in partnership with key industry representatives and stakeholders across the county. The DEDP will identify priority projects and guide sustainable tourism development in Laois. The plan is well underway, with ongoing consultations and a dedicated tourism conference scheduled for 29 April, which will encourage engagement from all sectors of the local tourism industry.
Laois is one of eight counties in the midlands who will benefit from the €68 million Just Transition Fund (JTF) investment in regenerative tourism for the region. Through this scheme, Fáilte Ireland is investing in the sustainable development of tourism in the Midlands with the aim of diversifying the regional economy by creating jobs, supporting habitats and biodiversity and sustaining communities.
The tourism industry in Laois also benefits from enterprise and capability-building supports, including product development programmes, digital capability training, sustainability and climate-action supports, and business mentoring. Laois businesses have received a total of €102,600 including grant & direct supports from the "Digital that Delivers" programme through investment grant funding and direct supports. These initiatives help tourism enterprises to expand capacity, improve quality standards and create sustainable, high-quality employment in local communities.
My Department, together with Fáilte Ireland and regional stakeholders, remains fully committed to supporting tourism development in County Laois and the wider Midlands. These supports will continue to enhance regional visitor numbers, strengthen economic activity, and ensure that tourism growth is sustainable, inclusive and community-led.
