Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sport Tourism Promotion.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

50 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if his Department have a policy on the promotion of sport tourism; and if he will outline the specific measures which are being put in place to exploit this vast area of opportunity.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

The promotion of sports tourism is an integral part of Bord Fáilte's overall product development and marketing strategy.

Apart from producing and distributing a wide range of literature on an array of sporting activities such as golf, water sports, walking, cycling, equestrian, crusing etc., the board liaise with Cospóir in encouraging national sporting organisations to attract major international sporting events to Ireland.

The contribution of sports tourism to overall performance has also been recognised in the EC-assisted operational programme for tourism in which some £41 million is earmarked for grant aiding public and private sector investment in sporting facilities. In addition, investment in a whole range of sporting facilities remains eligible for funding under the business expansion scheme.

In recognition of the importance of sports tourism, the Government have assigned special responsibility in this area to Deputy Frank Fahey, Minister of State.