Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
349. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to increase tourism to the historically significant town of Ferns, County Wexford, particularly in the context of 2027 being the Year of the Normans. [68090/26]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The matter raised by the Deputy is primarily an operational matter for both agencies.
As an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. Tourism Ireland, therefore, works closely with the ferry companies operating services from Normandy to Ireland, to grow tourism from France. This also aligns with Tourism Ireland's ambitions around "slow tourism" which raises awareness of SailRail and targets French holidaymakers interested in slow travel / train journeys in Europe.
I am advised that representatives of Tourism Ireland met recently in Paris with representatives of the Normandy Government to discuss plans for ‘The Year of the Normans – People of Europe’ initiative in 2027.
Tourism Ireland advises that it will be ready to play its part to maximise any opportunities that may arise to grow tourism from France, including from Normandy, as part of the initiative. In addition, Fáilte Ireland continues to engage with tourism stakeholders across Co. Wexford through destination development and industry engagement initiatives that support the enhancement of the visitor experience and sustainable tourism growth across the county and is supporting Wexford County Council to enhance the region’s tourism offering in progressing a new Norman Experience in New Ross, which is expected to enhance Wexford’s appeal as a heritage destination and support the local tourism economy. Ferns specifically, is represented within the North Wexford Tourism Cluster, one of three tourism clusters established by Failte Ireland in Co. Wexford to encourage collaboration, networking and engagement among tourism stakeholders.
