Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
456. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to increase the tourism potential of County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3551/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 provides a roadmap for tourism growth, delivered through Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). Fáilte Ireland has developed a DEDP for Kilkenny, representing a five-year sustainable tourism plan aligned under a shared vision.
Under their Large Capital Grants Scheme, Fáilte Ireland allocated €4.5m 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. Expected to open in Q1 2027, it aims to draw visitors from Kilkenny Castle into the city centre, boosting spend, jobs, and 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, €2.1m 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 to stimulate regional economic growth.
Kilkenny, designated as a World Crafts Council Craft City and Region, has a strong craft heritage, and offers diverse craft-led tourism experiences. Fáilte Ireland and Kilkenny County Council have finalised and published a new craft strategy to support sustainable craft businesses, preserve skills, and promote craft tourism. Fáilte Ireland has commenced implementation of this strategy with a focus on pillar 3 - Tourism and destination development.
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 €1.2m 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.
