Mary Wallace
Question:24 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on interpretative centres in relation to national tourist development. [10807/95]
Written Answers. - Tourism Infrastructure.
Séamus Hughes
Question:57 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the views, if any, he has on the provision of high profile weather-independent tourist attractions as envisaged in Tourism 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10751/95]
Ivor Callely
Question:170 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the contact, if any, he has had with any promoters and if consideration will be given to any project as identified in the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999 to assist at least four unique projects of scale capable of generating extra tourism business to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10935/95]
Tony Killeen
Question:203 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on interpretative centres in relation to national tourist development. [11040/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 57, 170 and 203 together.
I recognise, as outlined in the Operational Programme for Tourism, that there are certain gaps in the tourism infrastructure available in Ireland. Measures to address these, including the provision of large integrated projects, weather, independent facilities and interpretative centres capable of attracting over 75,000 visitors, have been identified in the programme. I am satisfied that these measures are well thought-out and will contribute substantially to the enhancement of the visitor's experience in Ireland.
Bord Fáilte and Shannon Development have been charged with the implementation of these measures, and a number of unique projects of scale are being evaluated at present. These will be considered by the relevant management boards. Where such a project is estimated to cost in excess of £20 million, agreement of the Government and the EU Commission on foot of a cost-benefit analysis conducted in accordance with Community law will also be necessary.