A long-awaited plan to promote Malin Head as the most northerly point on the Wild Atlantic Way and develop a ‘Must See’ visitor attraction at the beauty spot must be supported by the government, a local TD has said.

Deputy Charles Ward told the Dáil how Donegal County Council’s Malin Head Visitor Plan, which was launched almost a decade ago, provides a template for significantly boosting tourism in Inishowen.

“This needs to be progressed but for it to be progressed, Donegal County Council will need funding. Funding these projects is vital,” he said.

The 100% Redress TD was speaking during a debate on the Our Rural Future 2036-2031.

He said Malin Head should be developed as an alternative destination to tourist hotspots such as Killarney in Co. Kerry which, he noted, are ‘increasingly experiencing capacity pressures’.

Deputy Ward said: “We are the forgotten county, yet tourism has the opportunity to grow in Donegal if it is invested in. Tourism will grow if we invest in it and take the chance. There is an urgent need for greater investment, particularly in Donegal.”

He invited the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer to Donegal.

“I ask him to come and see the potential in Inishowen and the islands over the next year. Donegal can thrive just like Kerry but we need investment,” he said.

The Minister said: “I will certainly take up Deputy Ward's invitation to Donegal. My good friend, Deputy Mac Lochlainn, [Pádraig, Sinn Féin TD] and I have a long-standing commitment to go back to Donegal.”