Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
1027. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the level of funding allocated in Cork county under sustainable tourism development programmes in each of the past three years; the projects approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57013/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that funding for tourism development in County Cork is provided through a range of national and regional programmes, including programmes administered by Fáilte Ireland, which operates under the aegis of my Department. These supports are delivered in partnership with local authorities, State agencies and industry stakeholders and are aimed at developing sustainable tourism, improving the visitor experience and supporting local economic development.
Significant investment in tourism development projects is also delivered through several Government programmes and international funding mechanisms, such as LEADER. In addition to funding provided by individual local authorities, wider regional and central Government schemes also make an important contribution to capital investment and tourism regeneration regionally, for example through the RRDF.
Over the past three years, County Cork has benefited from investment and programme supports across capital development, outdoor activity infrastructure, destination development, festivals, digital capability, marketing and strategic partnerships; with an clear emphasis on sustainable growth, visitor dispersion, extension of the tourism season and increased local economic impact.
Key tourism development projects supported by Fáilte Ireland in County Cork since 2024 include:
Ireland’s Mountain Bike Experience:• This Rural Regeneration and Development Fund partnership project with Coillte and local authorities is developing five international-standard mountain biking centres nationally. Ballyhoura, serving Limerick and Cork, has received €1,034,000 to date for trail development. Phase 1, involving trail development, was delivered in 2025, while Phase 2 will focus on the mountain bike trailhead centre.
Platforms for Growth 2:• Cork will benefit from new permanent water-sports facilities at Claycastle, Youghal. This national investment scheme is designed to deliver high-quality water-sports infrastructure, and it is expected that the Youghal facility will be in construction by the end of the year.
Island tourism:• Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta are supporting major island tourism projects, including €1 million for the upgrade of the Cape Clear Fastnet Experience and Heritage Centre on Oileán Chléire. This project will provide an enhanced visitor experience, including augmented reality and 3D interpretation focused on Fastnet Lighthouse, together with improvements to the existing museum.
Beara Breifne Way:• This community-led long-distance trail runs through nine counties, including Cork, and links 12 National Waymarked Ways. Its development supports sustainable economic and social benefits for towns, villages and communities along the route.
Destination Towns:• Cork County Council received €302,980 under Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Towns programme for Bantry.
Digital capability:• Fáilte Ireland’s Digital that Delivers programme supports visitor attractions, activity providers and day tours to improve their online presence and commercial capability. Since 2021, 55 Cork businesses have received €3,156,186 in grant funding to July 2026, comprising €1,418,892 in investment grants and €1,739,294 in direct supports, including diagnostics, training and mentoring.
Festival Funding:• Cork County Council received €75,250 under the Regional Festivals Fund and €10,000 under the Food Festival Fund in 2026.
Taken together, these supports demonstrate continued investment in outdoor recreation, island and heritage experiences, destination towns, and digital transformation in County Cork. They are intended to strengthen Cork’s position as a tourism destination while advancing sustainable tourism, off-season growth, business capability and enhanced visitor experiences across the county.
