The Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 focuses primarily on the development of top quality tourist attractions and amenities, training and overseas marketing primarily to assist Irish tourism generate increased visitor numbers and revenue. Assistance under the programme for new accommodation in the bed and breakfast category applies only where such facilities are associated with other tourism developments.
The provision of commercially driven facilities such as tourist accommodation and catering has to be a matter for the individual entrepreneur and the tourism industry itself, in direct response to their assessment of the market opportunities generated by increased tourism.
However, to assist with further expansion plans, all registered and approved tourist accommodation has been deemed eligible for low interest loans under the access to finance scheme launched last September by the Minister for Enterprise and Employment. A total of £52 million of this £208 million fund has been specially earmarked for tourism projects. A similar scheme confined to the Border counties was recently introduced under the Peace and Reconciliation Fund and certain tourism projects are also eligible under this scheme. Moreover, investment in registered or approved tourist accommodation in any of the resort areas designated under the pilot tax relief scheme for certain resort areas may also qualify for tax relief under the scheme.