Shane, as the Environment & Planning Manager at Fáilte Ireland, plays a crucial role in driving sustainable tourism development across Ireland. He champions sustainability across the tourism development authority and the wider tourism industry throughout the entire country. Representing Fáilte Ireland on national advisory groups across planning, environment and sustainability, Shane contributes his expertise to shape policy and advocate for sustainable practices within the tourism sector. As a prescribed body in the planning process, Shane represents Fáilte Ireland in reviewing and providing recommendations on tourism-related planning applications.
Shane also oversees Fáilte Ireland’s National Environmental Monitoring Programme, which tracks key environmental indicators related to tourism activities, enabling data-driven decision-making to identify of areas where further action is required to mitigate negative impacts. His team supports sustainable destination development across Ireland's four regional tourism brands: Wild Atlantic Way, Dublin, Ireland's Ancient East and Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. Fáilte Ireland is committed to developing these regions sustainably, ensuring that tourism is spread evenly throughout the year and creating a more balanced tourism ecosystem that benefits local communities and protects the environment.
At a local level, Shane's team works closely with stakeholders to develop Destination & Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These plans, developed in consultation with local communities and subject to strategic environmental assessments, address local challenges and opportunities, ensuring sustainable tourism development is tailored to the specific needs of each region. Through supporting the development of these actions and plans, Shane is actively engaged in supporting sustainable tourism projects on the ground.
