18. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the supports available to communities included in the Wild Atlantic Way initiative. [66482/26]

Communities along the Wild Atlantic Way are central to the success of one of Ireland’s leading tourism experiences. Support for these communities is provided primarily through Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority under the remit of my Department, which works closely with local authorities, community groups and tourism stakeholders.

Fáilte Ireland's Regional Tourism Development Strategy for the Wild Atlantic Way provides the long-term framework for sustainable tourism development in the region. The strategy seeks to unlock the commercial potential of the Wild Atlantic Way while protecting the environment, enhancing local communities and meeting visitor expectations.

Support has included capital investment through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and other grant programmes that help develop visitor infrastructure, public amenities, trails and access points that benefit both visitors and residents.

A key element of delivery is the network of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), which bring public and private sector stakeholders together to prioritise and advance tourism development projects. Since February 2026, Fáilte Ireland has continued to progress the rollout of DEDPs across the Wild Atlantic Way, with 16 plans now launched or in development. Local Implementation Groups provide an important mechanism for stakeholder engagement and help ensure communities play an active role in shaping tourism initiatives in their destinations.

Communities and tourism enterprises also receive experience and destination development supports that enable the delivery of high-quality outdoor, cultural, heritage and sustainable tourism experiences. Fáilte Ireland further supports tourism businesses through mentoring, training, digital capability development and targeted grant schemes to strengthen competitiveness and resilience, alongside extensive domestic and international marketing activity promoting the Wild Atlantic Way.

Under the Shared Island Fund, €7.6 million has been allocated to an all-island tourism collaboration initiative connecting the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. The project aims to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more across the region, generating additional economic benefits for local communities. A €1.5 million small grants scheme forms part of this initiative, supporting the enhancement of visitor experiences along both routes. Most recently, substantial capital investment projects supported by Fáilte Ireland have been announced for Galway City Museum and Westport Estate.

Fáilte Ireland has also strengthened partnerships with Údarás na Gaeltachta, local authorities, the Office of Public Works and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to deliver projects on offshore islands, watersports facilities and visitor enhancements at key heritage and nature sites.

In addition, 287 tourism businesses across the Wild Atlantic Way have received support worth €15.36 million through the Digital that Delivers programme. Community participation is further supported through festivals and events which helps extend the tourism season and deliver economic benefits to local communities.

The Government remains committed to supporting communities along the Wild Atlantic Way through targeted tourism investment, sustainable development initiatives, and measures that protect the natural and cultural assets that are central to their long-term prosperity.