Tourism infrastructure key to Mayo’s growth, Dáil told
Mayo TDs highlight opportunities at Keem Bay, transport shortcomings and rural tourism challenges as Government outlines plans for sector expansion through 2031
The future of tourism in Mayo was discussed in a wide-ranging Dáil debate yesterday (Wednesday, June 10) on investment, infrastructure and the challenges facing the sector.
Opening the debate, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke described tourism as one of Ireland’s most important economic sectors, supporting 229,000 jobs and 46,000 businesses nationwide.
He outlined the Government’s new tourism strategy, A New Era for Irish Tourism, which aims to increase tourism revenue to €14.8 billion by 2031 while supporting 250,000 jobs and driving growth in rural regions.
The Minister also said tourism remains a key driver of regional development, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way and in rural communities, with significant investment planned through Fáilte Ireland and other agencies.
Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh stressed the importance of continued investment in tourism infrastructure in counties such as Mayo.
She highlighted the international recognition received by Keem Bay and called for the development of a visitor centre to enhance the visitor experience and encourage longer stays in the area.
The Sinn Féin TD also raised concerns about transport connectivity, arguing that tourism growth cannot be achieved without better public transport and integrated travel services.
Using her own experience travelling from Castlebar to Ireland West Airport Knock, Deputy Conway-Walsh criticised the lack of information available at bus stops and the continued reliance on cash payments on some services.
“We need to get the basics right,” she told the Dáil, adding that improved links between airports, towns and tourism attractions are essential if regions like Mayo are to reach their full tourism potential.
Deputy Conway-Walsh also called for greater investment in visitor facilities such as public toilets, parking and broadband connectivity, saying many community groups are struggling to secure support for basic infrastructure despite developing local attractions and walking trails.
“If we are to be serious about growing tourism, we must be serious about the connectivity and infrastructure,” she said. “Tourism cannot thrive if visitors cannot easily reach destinations, move between regions and access attractions.”
Meanwhile, Mayo TD Paul Lawless described Mayo as one of Ireland’s most scenic counties and emphasised the importance of tourism to communities throughout the county, including Achill, Cong, Clare Island, Erris and Westport.
The Aontú TD raised concerns about the impact of proposed regulations on short-term holiday lettings and warned that many rural areas rely heavily on visitor accommodation provided by local families.
Deputy Lawless also highlighted concerns about Ireland’s cost competitiveness, pointing to rising travel and accommodation costs faced by overseas visitors.
“There was a 6% drop in tourism last year. That represents millions of euro to the Irish economy and cost competitiveness is a factor,” he said. “ I spoke to an Irish-American family who came back to Ireland last year. They talked about how obtaining a car rental and car insurance cost thousands of euro for a two-week trip.”
Responding to the debate, Minister Burke acknowledged the importance of rural tourism and confirmed that Government plans would seek to balance housing needs with the continued availability of short-term accommodation in tourism-dependent areas.
He also pointed to encouraging tourism figures for 2026, with visitor numbers increasing by 7% compared to the previous year, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing in tourism infrastructure, accommodation, connectivity and digitalisation.
The Minister said regions along the Wild Atlantic Way and less mature tourism markets would continue to receive support as part of efforts to ensure tourism growth benefits communities throughout Ireland, including Mayo.