€400 Million Investment Boosts Ireland’s Tourism Sector With Wicklow Set to Benefit

Fianna Fáil Senator Pat Casey has welcomed this week’s announcement of a €400 million investment in Ireland’s tourism industry. He described it as a significant boost for the sector nationwide and an important opportunity for tourism development in Wicklow.

Wicklow's Fianna Fáil Senator Pat Casey has welcomed this week’s announcement of a €400 million investment in Ireland’s tourism industry, describing it as a major boost for the sector nationwide and a key opportunity for tourism development in Wicklow.

The funding aims to support new attractions, upgrade tourism infrastructure, and promote Ireland internationally**, ensuring that the country remains a top destination for visitors from around the world.

Speaking on the announcement, Senator Casey said:

"Ireland’s charm is recognised across the globe. Our stunning landscapes, rich history and culture, and the uniquely Irish spirit of craic and ceol draw millions of visitors here every year. Tourism is vital to Ireland and to communities across the country, including here in Wicklow."

The investment forms part of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030, which builds on last year’s National Development Plan review led by Minister Jack Chambers.

Tourism has been identified as a **key driver of Ireland’s economic and regional growth**.

Tourism by the Numbers

* Over 6 million overseas visitors each year
* Supports 235,000 jobs
* Generates €6 billion in revenue
* Overseas marketing delivers a 25:1 return on investment

As part of the announcement, €77 million has been earmarked for overseas marketing, targeting new international markets to attract even more visitors to Ireland.

Senator Casey highlighted the importance of this funding:

"This major investment in overseas tourism marketing will be a powerful driver in attracting visitors to Ireland, and I hope many of them will discover all that Wicklow has to offer as they explore our country."

Key Initiatives and Programmes

The €200 million Tourism Product Development Programme will support projects that enhance attractions and deliver sustainable, high-quality visitor experiences**.

Other initiatives include:

* Shared Island Tourism: Strengthening cross-border collaboration

* Digitalisation Programmes: Helping tourism SMEs stay competitive and innovative, supported by Minister for Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth

Supporting Communities for Generations

Senator Casey concluded: "Tourism is part of who we are as a nation. This investment will help the sector grow and thrive in a way that supports our local communities and creates opportunities for generations to come."

This landmark investment underlines Ireland’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth ensuring that the country’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage continue to attract visitors from all over the world.