Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
39. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the new tourism policy “A New Era for Irish Tourism” will support tourism development in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2025, my Department published the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This five-year strategy provides a clear framework to guide the development of tourism to 2031. A central aim is to deliver greater regional balance so that counties like Louth benefit from a strong and competitive tourism offering.
Fáilte Ireland under the policy direction of my Department promotes balanced tourism growth by further developing the regional experience brands; - the Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin. Localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) are used to activate these brands.
County Louth is already seeing the impact of this coordinated approach. The Boyne Valley Drive has been re-imagined, and visitor orientation planning has been strengthened for Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula. Louth is also benefitting from Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Pilot Scheme, which will provide up to €100,000 annually to Meath and Louth from 2025 to 2028. In 2025, Tourism Ireland generated positive publicity in the international media for the county with an estimated reach of 36 million people and its St Brigid’s Day activity this spring also prominently featured the county, highlighting St Brigid’s birthplace at Faughart.
A range of strategic development initiatives are currently being progressed, including work on the Táin Trail, and a new Cultural and Sustainable Destination Development Strategy for the Kingdom of Oriel. Finally, the Carlingford Lough area is one of three destinations that will share in €23 million awarded under the Shared Island Fund. Delivered in partnership with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, this project will deliver the new trails and associated visitor infrastructure, increasing connectivity between existing trails and tourism amenities across the region. These initiatives are designed to build on Louth’s cultural strengths and enhance its outdoor activity tourism offering in a coordinated and sustainable way.
A New Era for Irish Tourism demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring counties like Louth can continue to grow sustainably, attract year-round visitors, and deliver wider economic and community benefits across the region.
