Mary Coughlan
Question:500 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the programmes that will provide grant-aid for the provision of new tourist accommodation, excluding the provision of hotel bedrooms. [1341/96]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999, is the primary vehicle for grant aiding tourism projects. In the case of tourist accommodation, the programme does not, generally, provide support for new accommodation stock as the market would normally be expected to respond to commercial opportunities. However, recognising that there are a number of market segments where the quality of existing accommodation is deficient, the operational programme does include provision to assist, on a selective basis, investment in, for example, caravan and camping sites and accommodation at recognised outdoor pursuit centres. The programme also includes provision for assistance for the development of accommodation-related conference and leisure facilities. While EU programmes operated by other Departments may provide support for smaller tourism accommodation initiatives, it is my understanding that, in line with the thrust of the Operational Programme for Tourism, the scope for assisting new accommodation projects is limited.