Commemorative Events

126. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the American Presidents Trail. [74079/26]

Twenty-three US Presidents have Irish heritage, with many coming from Northern Ireland. As the Minister of State knows, I first floated this idea of an American Presidents Trail early last year in the House. I thank the Government for the support already given and wish to ask for an update on its progress.

I thank Deputy Timmins for raising this again on the floor of the Dáil. He has been absolutely to the fore in terms of his drive to see this come to fruition and become a reality. This year has seen a significant programme of events as part of America 250 and the national commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. That has been supported within the Department by €200,000 in funding to guarantee a programme that is both meaningful and appropriate. The American Presidents Trail, which the Deputy has been a phenomenal advocate of, is one of the principal initiatives that supports America 250. My Department is collaborating closely with our partners in the local authorities to find the areas and communities across the island with close ties to former US Presidents. These various townlands have been identified and it is planned that they will all be marked by both a symbolic Irish tree and information panel. Our partners in local government are leading on the tree planting initiative and the text for the information panels is currently being assembled. By doing so, we hope to underline just how much Ireland has given to America and how much the American story was written with Irish ink. Elsewhere, I am delighted to say that great progress is also being made on the literary companions to the American Presidents Trail. A book documenting the lives and families of American Presidents of Irish descent was launched on 4 July, and a companion book for schoolchildren will be delivered this December. Work is also continuing in partnership with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland on the wider delivery of the America 250 programme. All activity is guided by the established principles of commemorations, respectful remembrance, historical authenticity, inclusivity and accessibility. The American Presidents Trail will leave a lasting legacy and will underline and celebrate the contribution of the Irish and Irish America to the American story, while also delivering cultural educational and tourism benefits.

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I also thank the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, for bringing this project to Cabinet and getting approval in April of this year. The actions in July are the start of what will, we hope, eventually be a fully fledged tourist route. I strongly believe this proposal could be a huge positive North-South project. There is support for this in Northern Ireland as well. This could also be a massive attraction for US visitors, especially those with Irish links, and could be comparable to the Wild Atlantic Way. I have pinpointed several key counties to consider, along with a suggested route, but ultimately this map would benefit all parts of Ireland. Will the Minister of State join with me in trying to persuade Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to make this part of their strategy?

I certainly will pass on the Deputy's thanks to the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, for bringing this forward and working with the Deputy on it. Our connections with America are so important to us as a country. We see that with the wonderful two-way economic relationship we have between both countries. I agree with the Deputy that it has immense tourism potential. We know that so many of our American visitors enjoy exploring their Irish roots as part of their visits to Ireland, as well as connecting with their Irish relations. That is certainly something that offers further potential in terms of the American Presidents' Trail for Fáilte Ireland to look to build upon. I certainly will relay the Deputy's initiative and ask them to see how they can build on this initiative once it is completed. It is an opportunity for tourism.

Never has it been so important to highlight the close relationship we have with the US. This trail will promote our closer ties. It is a perfect example of the use of soft power. Soft power is something we have with the US. We need to constantly remind ourselves of this fact, develop it and not take it for granted. It has contributed a massive investment, as the Minister of State said, by the US in this country. It would also fit perfectly with the goals of the shared island fund. It would boost the economy of Northern Ireland and deliver benefits that we cannot predict. It would improve co-operation between both parts of this island and develop relationships that currently do not exist. This is the best way to unite our Ireland. It would bring people closer together and then borders would simply melt away.

The Deputy's point is a very fair one. Both parts of our Ireland - North and South - have contributed to the American story and the development of the American nation. That is something we share in this island as well. The American Presidents' Trail is something we can work on together on an all-island basis. The Deputy's point is a valid one in relation to the potential for the shared island fund and how they can consider that as well. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter today. We look forward from a departmental point of view to continuing to work to see it through to fruition and, indeed, to take on board the various ideas that the Deputy has to ensure it reaches its potential.