Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2025
139. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will consider the establishment of a US president's trail in Ireland to highlight and promote the historical connections between the United States and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17806/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will engage with Tourism Ireland officials, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials, US Embassy officials and other stakeholders (details supplied) to discuss the possible establishment of a US president's trail in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will engage with tourism bodies, both in Ireland and Northern Ireland, regarding the potential benefits of a US president's trail in Ireland; and if he will provide details of any possible discussions or proposals. [17809/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 140 and 141 together.
The Programme for Government outlines the Government’s commitment to the sustainable growth and long-term development of Ireland’s tourism sector.
Through continued support for the national tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, the Government aims to enhance Ireland’s reputation as a high-quality and accessible destination for both domestic and international visitors, while further integrating tourism offerings on an all-island basis.
The commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence is also something I am considering in the context of the Department's commemoration programme.
In 2024 the North South Ministerial Council established the All-Island Strategic Tourism Group (AISTG). This group is co-chaired by senior officials from the Department and Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy and includes the Chief Executives of the three tourism agencies - Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
The remit of the group includes identifying key areas for North/South coordination and cooperation and providing a strategic, policy-aligned approach to the development and delivery of all-island tourism initiatives.
I will ask my officials to raise the proposal for further consideration by this group in the first instance. It would be a matter for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, who have primary responsibility for product development on-the-ground, to lead on the development of such a tourism initiative.
