1065. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has a strategy in place to work with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to promote the future of inland fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62847/26]

Fáilte Ireland, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works closely with Tourism Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland to support the promotion of Ireland’s fishing and angling tourism offering, particularly in key overseas markets. This is achieved through international publicity and targeted media engagement, helping to position Ireland as a high-quality angling destination within the wider tourism proposition.

As part of this work, Fáilte Ireland has an ongoing rolling agreement with Inland Fisheries Ireland to support international media activity focused on angling tourism. In 2025, Fáilte Ireland welcomed specialist and mainstream media from Germany, Great Britain, France, the United States, the Benelux countries and Italy. These international journalists are regularly invited to experience Ireland’s angling product first-hand, which is a key element of the broader tourism offering to overseas visitors.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland promotes fishing tourism through its Discover Ireland website, which is the official domestic tourism platform. The site provides comprehensive information on things to see and do across the country, including listings for fishing and angling activities, events and attractions. The platform aims to provide inspiration and practical planning support for short breaks and holidays in Ireland and includes dedicated content highlighting Ireland’s best fishing spots and experiences.

Tourism Northern Ireland operates under the aegis of the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. As such, matters relating to Tourism Northern Ireland's policies, programmes or engagement on inland fisheries would fall within the remit of the Department for the Economy. Nevertheless, my Department recognises the value of continued cooperation on an all-island basis between relevant tourism bodies, in supporting sustainable tourism development and promoting shared tourism opportunities where appropriate. For example, Fáilte Ireland participates in collaborative initiatives such as the Blueway Partnership, an all-island network that supports the development and promotion of non-motorised water and land-based recreational experiences.

Angling is also referenced within the Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) 2025-2030. Under the plan's objective of leveraging the River Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway as key destination assets and expanding high-quality outdoor and water-based tourism experiences, a specific action aims to "develop and promote water-based activity experiences, including angling, along the River Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway, building on the destination's natural assets and strengthening the range of visitor experiences". This collaborative action is led by Cavan County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Leitrim County Council and Fáilte Ireland

Finally, “A New Era for Irish Tourism – the National Tourism Policy” includes specific objectives to maximise the tourism potential of Ireland's inland waterways. The policy supports ongoing collaboration with organisations such as Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland and others to strengthen Ireland's position as a premier angling and water sports destination through international promotion, strategic partnerships and targeted marketing initiatives.