asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the precise functions of the regional tourist companies with particular reference to allocation of funds for local development such as production of brochures, provision of accommodation, etc.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regional Tourist Bodies.
12.
The regional tourism organisations are public companies, limited by guarantee, and were established for the general purpose of developing tourism in each region. The companies' memoranda and articles of association, which may be inspected in the Dáil Library, empower the companies to engage in a wide range of activities directed towards encouraging and promoting the development of tourist traffic. The companies' principal source of revenue will be contributions from the local authorities. Bord Fáilte will also give financial assistance to the companies during their formative years.
The companies will work in close consultation with Bord Fáilte and their more important activities are likely to include:— provision of a full local service for visitors—information offices, room reservation systems; obtaining the names of householders willing to participate in the Bord Fáilte supplementary accommodation schemes for anglers, students and those seeking farmhouse holidays; publication of itineraries and other publicity material; the listing of attractions; the provision of supplementary signposting and general liaison with the transport authorities and the co-ordination of the activities of the various interests serving tourism; the preparation of a thorough survey of the tourism resources of each of the new regions, and —as a long-term task—the preparation of a tourism development plan.