Vol. 431 No. 4
22 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has any proposals to initiate large scale integrated anchor projects so as to correct structural weaknesses in Irish tourism caused by the small scale of the industry units; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
29 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if increased EC Structural Funding will be available for further development of the maritime leisure industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Donegal South-West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 29 together.
The Government is at present considering the proposals which it will submit in the National Development Plan to the EC Commission as part of the next round of EC Structural Funds commencing in 1994. No decisions have yet been taken on the types of project which might be eligible for future assistance. However, I expect that the Government will be putting forward a range of measures dedicated to developing further the attractions of Irish tourism for overseas visitors.
Will the Minister agree that we have too many small tourism products and that to ensure their survival we need large scale products along the lines of the Cobh Heritage Centre, the proposed new waterworld in Ballybunion and Tralee and a conference centre as anchor projects in the community? Will the Minister indicate if the Government has any firm proposals in regard to developing projects such as these and refer particularly to the proposed conference centre? When will a decision be made on that?
(Donegal South-West): Absolute priorities for the next round of Structural Funds for the tourism sector, including the maritime leisure industry, will be determined in the light of available funds. It is clear that there is a need for increased funds for marketing certain infrastructural improvements in the areas of roads and sanitary services, and for some large scale anchor projects. The Deputy also referred to the large conference centre catering for up to 1,000 delegates. It is for the Minister to formulate a development plan and he is in the process of doing that. He has consulted with and taken advice from the industry. We have to await a decision before we know exactly what the allocation and priorities will be.
In considering large scale projects we should consider the 40 per cent assisted under the Operational Programme 1989-93 which involved investments in excess of £0.5 million each. A further 21 per cent were between £1 million and £5 million and 2 per cent or eight projects involved were investments in excess of £5 million each. There is a perception that there were not sufficient large scale projects. There has to be a reasonable balance between the anchor and the smaller projects. I hope that the balance will be incorporated in the tourism plan.
Will the Minister agree that we need large scale anchor projects to combat seasonality and to extend the season? Is the Minister aware that 66 per cent of tourists come here between May and September and that the rest come between September and March? To extend our season to the shoulder and off-peak season we need these anchor projects.
Will the Minister indicate if the Government will present a shopping list of tourism products with the national plan in view of the fact that over £300 million will be committed to tourism under the next programme? If there is to be a shopping list there should now be consultation with the various tourism interests.
(Donegal South-West): I fully appreciate the necessity for large scale projects. There should be a reasonable balance between the large scale and smaller projects. We could have a reduced number of projects, all large scale, but that might not be advantageous to some areas. There should be a balance. I agree that some larger projects would help to extend the season and would ensure greater profitability for the tourism industry.
The shopping list is under consideration. It is a matter for the Minister but I believe a specific shopping list would tie our hands for the next five years. We should talk in general terms and then look at the specific aims.
