Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
90. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to increase the tourism potential of County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12162/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland continues to work closely with local authorities and industry partners to support and grow the tourism potential of County Mayo. Mayo is a key part of Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027. This strategy provides a roadmap to guide the sector through current challenges and towards sustainable growth. It focuses on unlocking the commercial potential of the Wild Atlantic Way while ensuring that tourism development remains sustainable, regenerative, and beneficial to local communities.
A central element of this work is the delivery of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These are five-year sustainable tourism development plans which bring together public and private sector stakeholders to prioritise tourism projects and maximise their chances of success. The DEDPs are highly collaborative in nature, with agreed action plans assigning ownership across the relevant organisations.
Work commenced in Autumn 2023 on a Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the North Mayo/Erris region. Community outreach meetings were held in Belmullet, Kilcommon, Ballycastle, Killala, Ballina, Foxford, and Crossmolina, alongside engagement with other key stakeholders. A first draft of the plan was developed for consultation in 2025, with a launch estimated for this year.
Further work is also underway on a DEDP for the remainder of Mayo not covered by the Clew Bay or North Mayo plans. Public consultations for the Inland Mayo DEDP took place in April 2025. Research and development continue, with its launch expected in Q4 2026.
Digital transformation of the tourism sector remains a priority. The Digital that Delivers programme, has awarded a total of €2,115,421.89, comprising of investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training to tourism businesses in Mayo. Festivals play a central role in showcasing the county’s cultural and natural assets. Events such as Mayo Dark Skies and Westport Sea to Summit are among those supported, with over €60,000 in festival funding allocated locally.
In April 2021, Fáilte Ireland announced funding under its Platforms for Growth 2 scheme to develop state-of-the-art outdoor water-based activity facilities nationwide. Two Mayo locations—Keel, Achill Island and Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh—were selected. Both facilities are due to open later this year.
The importance of outdoor recreation has become even clearer in recent years. Mayo offers some of the most unspoilt natural environments in the country. Expanding facilities for surfing, swimming, hiking, walking, and other outdoor pursuits will continue to play a key role in enhancing the county’s tourism offering. This work helps showcase not only the outstanding natural beauty of Mayo but also the rich and diverse experiences the county provides to visitors from at home and abroad.
