I am seeking an update in relation to any current or planned tourism strategy for the Gearagh, which is just outside Macroom, County Cork. In particular, were considerations being given to its development as a recognised national tourism asset, including the potential for a sensitive greenway development? The Gearagh is one of Ireland's most unique and precious landscapes. It is the largest remaining glacial-alluvial woodland in Europe and provides a rare ecosystem of international ecological importance. It was shaped by the River Lee and is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but also an essential part of the cultural and historical fabric of the Macroom and Muskerry region. Before the flooding associated with the Lee hydroelectric scheme in the 1950s, the Gearagh served as a home to many and its loss was a significant chapter in local history. Its survival today as a protected landscape reminds us that balance has to be struck between development, heritage and environmental protection. The Gearagh currently provides a walking area for many in the locality and is an amenity that could be transformed into an outdoor tourism hub. I also believe there is massive scope for a Macroom-Gearagh greenway. Across the country we have seen how well-planned, low-impact greenways can improve biodiversity awareness, support local economies and promote sustainable tourism when done correctly and in consultation with environmental experts and the local community. Macroom and the wider Muskerry area are ideally positioned to benefit from this. As a gateway to west Cork, tourism already plays a vital role in sustaining rural employment in our area, supporting accommodation providers, cafes, shops, activity operators and cultural attractions. I believe that a carefully designed Gearagh greenway, mindful of conservation objectives, could extend visitor stays, attract off-season tourism and strengthen Macroom's role as a hub for inland west Cork. This is about managed access, education and appreciation, allowing people to experience the Gearagh responsibly while safeguarding its integrity for future generations. Local communities have shown strong interest in seeing the Gearagh recognised at national level, not only as a protected site but as a place of learning and recreation. I believe now is the time for action on this.

Therefore, I hope the Minister of State will be able to outline whether the Gearagh is included in any current or forthcoming national or regional tourism plans, whether the Department has engaged with Cork County Council, Fáilte Ireland or the OPW regarding its future development and whether a feasibility assessment of a low-impact greenway or interpretive trail is under consideration. Macroom town is just a mile and a half from the Gearagh. It is currently going through a period of significant infrastructural development and investment. A greenway would complement this growth by enhancing local amenities, supporting the health and well-being of residents and absolutely boosting the town's appeal as a destination for visitors and tourists.

I thank Senator Lynch for raising this matter. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. At the outset, I clarify that the Department of Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to greenways while national parks are under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with local authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Cork is represented by three regional tourism brands, namely, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Fáilte Ireland’s regional tourism development strategies are the roadmap for the tourism industry and for all stakeholders involved in tourism.

To activate these strategies, Fáilte Ireland has established localised five-year destination experience development plans. The west Cork and Kenmare destination experience development plan, which encompasses Múscraí and includes the Gearagh was launched in quarter 4 of 2023 to efficiently manage the delivery of actions within the destination experience development plan. Three thematic subgroups were established based on the prevalence of actions emerging from the plan. They are artisan food, outdoor activities and marketing. Key priorities in 2026 for west Cork and Kenmare include undertaking a mid-term review of the west Cork and Kenmare destination experience development plan, which will provide an opportunity to reassess objectives and actions against emerging trends, updated national and regional policies and new projects that have come on stream before the plan was first adopted. It will ensure that priorities for the remainder of the plan lifecycle remain relevant, achievable and responsive to the needs of local communities and industry. This review is due to be completed by September 2026. There will also be the roll-out of a cluster development programme from 2026 to 2028 for tourism businesses in the destination, based on a workshop and learning needs analysis.

The marketing subgroup of the destination experience development plan will work with Fáilte Ireland to produce a brouchure by the end of April 2026 highlighting the region's food experiences, markets, outdoor activities, accommodation and cultural experiences. The brochure will also feature key tourism towns and villages linking to itineraries and other assets under Discovery Ireland and Pure Cork.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this. I appreciate this is not under his Department and I thank him for the reply. I will definitely be raising this with the Departments of housing and Transport. I note the reviews, some of which, under Fáilte Ireland, will be undertaken this year. I will, of course, touch base with that agency.

I want to stress the importance of this. It is a fantastic natural amenity and one of the only such woodlands left in Europe. As I said, it has a fantastic history. Up until the fifties, it was a settlement hub and people were actually living there. There is so much scope and potential for this. I would hate to see it being neglected or not included in regard to future tourism. Undoubtedly, it is of massive historical and heritage benefit and it is important that we would look after it and protect it. I thank the Minister of State; I appreciate it.

Again, I thank Senator Lynch for raising this. Last December, the Minister, Deputy Burke, launched the new national tourism policy statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This strategy sets out a clear vision for growing visitor numbers and associated revenue and employment while ensuring balanced regional development. A key objective under this new policy statement is to spread the benefits of tourism to all regions. This will be a priority consideration for all public investment decisions. In particular, the need to see less mature tourism destinations grow at a faster rate than the traditional tourism regions will be a priority for Government and the tourism agencies. Regional tourism development strategies will continue to be activated through a series of destination experience development plans, and local tourism enterprises will have an enhanced role in the development of these strategies.

Under the new policy statement, tourism agencies will work with the relevant bodies to increase the focus on nature-based tourism opportunities associated with our inland waterways system and landscape, including angling, cruising, watersports and outdoor activities such as walking and hiking.