Vol. 465 No. 6
61 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has for the promotion of marinas and harbours in the Republic of Ireland in view of the fact that there is an intensive campaign to promote marinas in Northern Ireland to the yachting fraternity all over the world. [10245/96]
Promotion of tourist use of marinas and harbour facilities is a matter for the operators of such facilities working with the relevant regional tourism body and with Bord Fáilte.
Since 1993 marinas have been actively promoted by the Sailing Product Marketing Group, one of 19 product marketing groups which Bord Fáilte helped to establish with the long-term aim of carrying out sustainable, effective marketing for its product sector.
I understand that, with the assistance of European Regional Development Fund marketing funding from the Operational Programme for Tourism, the Sailing Product Marketing Group promote their facilities at major boat and yachting shows in London, Birmingham, Dusseldorf and Paris. The marinas currently promoted by the group include: Howth and Malahide in County Dublin; Carlingford in County Louth; Castlepark, Crosshaven, Baltimore and Kinsale in County Cork and Kilrush in County Clare.
Another product marketing group, Cruise Ireland, comprising port authorities, shipping agents and ground handlers, established in partnership with Bord Fáilte, promotes Irish ports and harbours to the cruise liner industry worldwide.
