65. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the Department will significantly increase the level of funding allocated to local authorities for tourism promotion within their own jurisdictions, given the growing importance of locally driven tourism strategies and the need for stronger regional competitiveness. [46181/26]

Our national tourism policy 'A New Era for Irish Tourism' recognises the important role that local authorities play in developing tourism in their areas, and my Department is committed to achieving the objectives set out in that policy.

A number of objectives are set out in the policy which require the support and commitment of our local authority sector, and equally it sets out a commitment that my Department and Fáilte Ireland will work with the CCMA and local authorities to support the planning and delivery of visitor-focused infrastructure and services, including investment in attractions, public spaces, and facilities. This collaboration will promote co-ownership and alignment with local priorities, enhancing the overall visitor experience and strengthening Ireland’s tourism offering (Objective 5.9.1)

Fáilte Ireland already has a close working relationship with many local authorities, who are integral to the development of local Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), developed under each of the regional tourism brands. Details of these DEDPs are available on www.failteireland.ie.

However it is important to be clear that my Department does not directly fund local authorities in respect of tourism related measures.

It is for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. The allocation of core funding, including funding for tourism development activities that a local authority wishes to undertake, is progressed under the annual budgetary process for the local authority sector and is a matter for my colleague Minister James Browne T.D..

Local authorities may access funding under schemes implemented by Fáilte Ireland, on the same basis as all applicants to such schemes. Many local authority projects receive funding support from Fáilte Ireland under these schemes.

Fáilte Ireland has also implemented funding programmes specifically for the local authority sector, such as the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund. Just under €1 million in funding was made available in 2026 under this scheme. The 2026 Regional Festivals Fund allocation represents an increase on 2025 levels, ensuring that every local authority now receives a minimum of €10,000 to support local festival activity. €310,000 of the funding is ring-fenced specifically for food festivals, with the balance of €623,250 in general festival funding. This Fund is implemented by Fáilte Ireland and will support approximately 250 festivals across the country.

While funding decisions remain a matter for each local authority, as our national tourism policy is implemented my Department and Fáilte Ireland will continue to support, enable and partner with local authorities to maximise tourism’s potential at a local level. Through targeted national investment, strategic frameworks and strong collaboration, we are ensuring that every region is equipped to compete, to grow and to benefit.

My goal is clear; to build a more resilient, regionally balanced tourism sector that delivers sustainable economic and community benefits right across the country.