Vol. 427 No. 2
21 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on whether there is a need for a national awareness programme on tourism to include a national tourist drive with a view to developing a coherent national tourist plan.
34 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on whether there is a need for a regional development plan for tourism to include the promotion of underdeveloped regions such as north-west Mayo, the Midlands and the Border areas; and if he will outline the steps he proposes to take to advance such development.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 34 together.
The Government is preparing a National Development Plan for submission to the EC Commission in the context of the next round of EC Structural Funds. It is my intention to have proposals for the further development of Irish tourism incorporated in this Plan.
The seven sub-regional review committees at present helping to monitor expenditure from the current round of EC Structural Funds have already prepared proposals for the further development of their respective areas, including suggested tourism measures, for consideration by Government. No decisions have yet been taken, including decisions on the manner in which future EC Structural Funds for tourism development will be disbursed. However, in so far as the Border areas are concerned, it appears likely that there will be a further INTERREG Programme which, I hope, will include the promotion of this region for tourism purposes.
The development of tourism continues to be a priority in the Programme for a Partnership Government which identifies this sector for further growth. The tourism industry is well aware of the important role envisaged for it in the programme for Government and many interested bodies have already made their views known on future strategy. I am not satisfied that there is a need for a special national awareness campaign as envisaged in the question.
