I propose to take Questions Nos. 467, 473, 474, 475 and 476 together, as they all relate in one way or another to applications for assistance for tourism development from EC Structural Funds.
The Operational Programme for Tourism approved by the EC on 21 December 1989 provides for the investment of over £146 million of Structural Funds in the sector over the period 1989-1993. Copies of the programme have already been lodged in the Dáil Library.
Structural Funds will be allocated under three separate sub-programmes: Sub-Programme 1 — £51 million ERDF to assist tourism developments by public/similar bodies; Sub-Programme 2 — over £66 million ERDF to assit private sector tourism development and promotion; and Sub-Programme 3 — over £28 million ESF for tourism training by CERT and the Department of Education.
Detailed budgets and strict criteria are laid out in the Programme under all 3 Sub-Programmes. The Deputies' questions relate exclusively, however, to Sub-Programmes 1 and 2.
Under Sub-Programme 1 some £28 million has been allocated to the OPW to enable them to carry out a major revamp of a number of important cultural and heritage attractions and inland waterways. The remaining £23 million under this Sub-Programme will be administered by Bord Fáilte and SFADCo for tourism works to be carried out by local authorities, regional tourism organisations, fisheries boards and other State and semi-State bodies. Projects will be selected in accordance with criteria outlined in the Programme and I understand from the two agencies that work on this selection process is now under way.