Vol. 428 No. 1
389 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if provisions will be made, by way of adequate funding, towards the proposed interpretative centre at Abbeyleix, County Laois so as to ensure that this project is completed without delay.
There is no provision in the Tourism and Trade Vote for my grant-aiding the development of interpretative centres.
However, I understand that European Regional Development Fund funds are available for assisting such developments under the EC Operational Programme for Tourism 1989-1993. Under terms agreed with the European Commission, this programme is administered in the mid-west region by Shannon Development, SFADCo, and in all other cases by Bord Fáilte, except where the developer is the Office of Public Works, (OPW). Accordingly, applications for assistance under this measure from parties other than the Office of Public Works are processed by Bord Fáilte or SFADCo who have responsibility for determining eligibility, levels of grant-aid etc., for individual projects in their respective areas.
