asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of loans and grants given to hotels in Galway City and County by the various tourist bodies since 1950.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Tourist Loans and Grants.
Under the Tourist Traffic Act, 1952, I am empowered, on the recommendation of An Bord Fáilte and with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, to guarantee, as to principal and interest, loans for the construction, modernisation and improvement of hotel accommodation. I am also empowered to authorise An Bord Fáilte to make grants towards the payment of interest on such loans. So far under this procedure sanction has been given for the guaranteeing of loans, and for the making of grants towards the payment of interest thereon, in respect of three hotels in the City or County of Galway. One of the applications for a guarantee of loan was withdrawn after sanction for the guarantee had been given.