Vol. 496 No. 6
126 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether tourism angling grants should be paid to clubs for angling competitions; and if he will make these payments in view of the tourism aspect. [23842/98]
The tourism angling measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 is a product development initiative and as such concentrates on capital developments which upgrade the angling product and, when combined with targeted marketing, will attract additional tourist anglers to this country.
The Central Fisheries Board advises that while expenditure on angling competitions per se would not be eligible under the tourism angling measure, TAM assistance may be available for angling clubs who wish to upgrade a facility in order to hold international competitions. Clubs should contact the TAM unit in the Central Fisheries Board who would be able to advise them on eligibility criteria for grants.
