€33 million for a lakelands tourism brand to be confirmed today – Burke 

Deputy Peter Burke has confirmed this morning that €33 million has been ring-fenced for the development of a lakelands tourism brand.

This additional funding has come as part of the midterm review of the capital plan which is being carried out by Deputy Burke’s Fine Gael colleague Minister Paschal Donohoe.

“This extra funding comes after an in-depth review was completed and research was commissioned by Fáilte Ireland in relation to a midlands tourism brand over the past number of months and years,” said Deputy Burke.

“Fáilte Ireland have done extensive testing of a brand which is to cover the midlands area, and they have tested this with both domestic and overseas tourists to see what the best options are to maximise our tourism potential. 

“We have seen the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, and now we are getting a bespoke and well-resourced strategy and brand for the counties which need more support in attracting tourism. 

“I have previously raised this issue in the Dáil and tabled a debate with Minister Ross in relation to the development of a lakelands brand – furthermore, I have met Fáilte Ireland management in recent weeks and received updates on the analysis and progress of the strategy.

“I understand that Fáilte Ireland have signed off on their completed piece of work and have passed it to the minister for tourism to launch today.

“I commend them on their professionalism and efforts and the world-class standards they bring to all of their projects.”

The FG deputy says the government are putting their full weight and resources behind this brand and have supported this strategy with significant investment of €33 million.