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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Funding for Marinas.

Michael Smith

Question:

10 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his policy regarding funding for marinas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7441/96]

Current policy regarding funding for marinas for tourism development purposes is set out in the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-99. The objective is to increase the supply of suitable and safe berthing facilities on the south and west coasts, and on the east/south-east coast, which is the natural landfall for sailors from Britain and mainland Europe. Specific financial provision is made for assisting the development of good mooring and appropriate on-shore facilities, especially availing of the natural advantages of a number of small coves and inlets which often offer the most cost effective way of achieving our overall objective.

In berthing areas to which visitors have unrestricted access, it is also planned to encourage the development of yacht chartering operations, sail training and other marine tourism facilities, enabling visitors to be provided with sailing vessels on their arrival in Ireland.

With regard to the complementary cruising product, priority will be given to the development of new cruising bases in selected areas to continue the spread of tourism into the Barrow navigation, the Grand and Royal Canals and the Shannon/Erne waterway.

Other EU initiatives, such as the Ireland-Northern Ireland INTERREG Programme (1994-99), the Ireland-Wales Maritime Programme (1994-99) and the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (1995-99) may, on a limited basis, provide some assistance towards small scale developments within the eligible areas.

Other incentives that are available to stimulate investment in marina facilities include tax incentive schemes such as the pilot tax relief scheme for certain resort areas and the business expansion scheme and subsidised loan schemes such as the access to finance scheme, which operates under the small business operational programme of the Department of Enterprise and Employment.

How many requests to fund a marina have been received and have the returns on the investment been analysed?

The east ferry marina in Cork, the one at Malahide and at the Royal Cork Yacht Club were assisted. In the Shannon development area assistance was given in respect of Derg Line Limited, Killaloe, County Clare and Shannon Sailing Limited, Dromineer, County Tipperary. I will supply the Deputy with information in respect of other marinas.

The Minister referred to the pilot tax scheme for certain areas. Is he aware the Minister for Finance is turning this scheme on its head and the proposed scheme will be different from the one announced by the Minister for Tourism and Trade last year? That good scheme is now a farce.

It is far from being a farce. The Minister is making one change.

A massive change.

I am sure the Deputy would not want to see deserted villages in any of the 15 areas chosen. The change is in the area of accommodation. Marinas, berthing facilities and an extensive range of tourism activities and facilities are eligible under the scheme.

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