Vol. 458 No. 3
45 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the disappointment experienced by some applicants for grant aid for hotel, sport and leisure developments and hotel refurbishment projects under the tourist development incentive; if he will review applications where confirmation of amounts of grant-aid was given in writing and did not materialise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16889/95]
The Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 offers assistance towards the development cost of conference and leisure facilities in hotels, selective hotel refurbishment and specialist visitor accommodation needs. Applications for aid under these and the other measures in the programme are considered by independent management boards set up for the purpose which include representatives from the implementing agencies, Bord Fáilte and Shannon Development, from this Department and private sector professionals.
I am advised the large number of applications received under these specific measures by both Bord Fáilte and Shannon Development exceeded available funding. However, the Minister is not aware of any specific case where formal approval and confirmation of an amount of grant aid was given, and where funding did not subsequently materialise. However, if the Deputy is aware of any such cases and wishes to provide details, I will be happy to have the matter presented to the relevant independent management board for investigation.
