Paul Lawless
Question:188. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to bolster the tourism potential of County Mayo. [45650/26]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2026
Questions (188)
Written answers
Responsibility for regional tourism development and promotion lies with Fáilte Ireland. Mayo is included in Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, which provides a roadmap for sustainable and regenerative tourism development. The strategy is focused on unlocking the commercial potential of the region while ensuring that growth benefits local communities and protects the natural environment.
Fáilte Ireland is supporting destination planning throughout Mayo. The Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan, launched in 2021 is now in its fifth year of implementation, with 122 actions complete or in progress as of June 2026. A Wild Mayo Destination and Experience Development Plan for North Mayo and Erris was launched on 1st May 2026, while an Inland Mayo plan is scheduled for completion in Quarter 4 2026. These plans will support projects such as the Clew Bay Bike Trail, the Grace O’Malley Trail, Croagh Patrick visitor improvements, Céide Coastal Path, Wild Nephin National Park, and the further development of the Great Western Greenway.
Mayo is also benefitting from targeted investment in outdoor and activity tourism. Under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Investment Scheme, Mayo County Council is developing state-of-the-art facilities for water-based activities at Keel, Achill Island, and Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh. These facilities will provide changing, shower, storage, orientation and accessible facilities which are due to open in Quarter 3 2026. Fáilte Ireland continue to support Mayo County Council with Visitor management and sustainable development work at Keem Bay on Achill Island, while a new visitor management and placemaking plan is being developed for Keel Village on Achill Island.
Heritage, culture and island experiences are also being strengthened in Mayo. Investment at the Céide Fields, supported by Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has delivered a modern visitor centre for one of the world’s most extensive Stone Age monuments. Fáilte Ireland has supported new island-hopping and cycling experiences, including the Clew Bay Bike Trail and Atlantic Island Escapes linking Inishturk and Clare Island.
Business capability and marketing are central to this work. The "Digital that Delivers" programme has provided over €2,115,421 in supports to 43 Mayo businesses to date, comprising of investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland’s Champions Programme ran in Ballina and Westport in May 2026 to strengthen customer service, local knowledge and accessible tourism.
In March 2026, Fáilte Ireland launched a new domestic campaign, Find Yourself on a Short Break, designed to increase demand for short breaks in Ireland and support more balanced, year-round tourism. Grounded in extensive national research, the campaign recognises that people across all life stages are seeking opportunities to pause, reset and briefly step away from the pressures of daily life. Domestic travellers increasingly want shorter, meaningful breaks that offer ease, connection and a chance to recharge when life is most hectic. Throughout 2026, the campaign is being brought to life across advertising, partnerships, publicity, digital and social channels, highlighting the range of experiences around the country that support the restorative power of a short break.
Festivals and events continue to support regional dispersal and off-season tourism. Mayo has received support for Mayo Dark Skies, Westport Sea2Summit, regional festivals and food festival activity. Taken together, these measures represent a comprehensive programme of investment, destination development, enterprise support and marketing to bolster Mayo’s tourism potential.
Finally, In March I confirmed €623,250 in funding to 31 local authorities under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund, which will support approximately 250 festivals across the country. This announcement also included the introduction of a new, dedicated 2026 Food Festival Fund, totalling €310,000, which is designed to strengthen food festivals and support Ireland’s evolving culinary tourism offering. Under this allocation, Mayo County Council, as part of the Wild Atlantic Way programme, will receive €32,500 in Fáilte Ireland regional festival funding, along with an additional €10,000 specifically allocated for food festival support.