asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he proposes to reorganise the tourist industry on a regional basis; and, if so, whether the present financial arrangements will continue to operate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
17.
A plan for the organisation of eight tourist regions, with a regional tourist company for each, is at present being implemented by Bord Fáilte Éireann. The purpose of the plan is to give better opportunities to all the interests concerned to supplement, locally, the development of tourism, which Bord Fáilte pursues on a national scale. It is intended that the new tourist companies will be financed mainly by local authority contributions, by subscriptions from members and other local sources and, during the formative years, by assistance from Bord Fáilte. An agreed statement on the proposals for regional tourist organisation was issued jointly by Bord Fáilte and the ITA and appeared in the public Press on 16th October last.
When these companies are fully established, is it proposed to review the schemes which are in preparation and not initiated yet? Will they be reconsidered or is it intended to go ahead with the various plans already made?
I am not clear as to what schemes the Deputy is referring to. This is an entirely new project.
The schemes for development.
This scheme will not interfere with the development of any major resort scheme or any scheme in a minor resort in the areas. The scheme is for the development of tourism.