Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tourism Development.

Denis Foley

Question:

212 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, he has taken to develop further tourism business from the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland; if he will give details of the marketing initiatives, if any, planned for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/97]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

Overall responsibility for the promotion and marketing of tourism, including the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland markets, rests with Bord Fáilte.

Against a background of strong economic growth and improving access transport, I am advised by Bord Fáilte that the British market to Ireland is targeted to grow by 8 per cent in visitor numbers and 10 per cent in revenue in 1997. The Overseas Tourism Marketing initiative will again this year be supporting a major television and press media campaign closely integrated with the Bord Fáilte co-operative campaign which prominently features the roll-out of the new Tourism Brand Ireland.

With a wide range of competitive air fares and improving surface access, short breaks are also popular, particularly out of peak season and this sector presents good opportunities for growth not only to Dublin but to other city destinations throughout the country.

In addition to the foregoing, a comprehensive promotional campaign under the domestic tourism marketing initiative was launched in February 1997 to increase the frequency and incidence of holidays in the home market. This campaign features, as part of its strategy, comprehensive advertising in Northern Ireland.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

213 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the supports, if any, available for the development of walking holiday routes; the supports, if any, available for the development of associated varied accommodation in respect of such walks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6739/97]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

The Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-9 includes a provision whereby assistance will be provided for the continued development of inter alia, walking holiday routes and the extension and upgrading of the existing range of such routes in association with Cospóir, the National Sports Council.

On a limited basis, the programme also includes provision to assist investment in a small number of market segments where existing specialist accommodation quality is deficient, including, caravan and camping park facilities; upgrading and improving existing buildings for hostel or other specialist accommodation and associated facilities on branded walking routes; and provision of new and improved accommodation at approved outdoor pursuits centres in remote areas currently without appropriate accommodation.

In general, in keeping with the overall strategy in the programme, support is aimed primarily at the enhancement of existing investment rather than supporting new development and all accommodation supported must be registered or approved, as appropriate.

At this point, funds provided under the programme for tourism development projects are generally over-subscribed and, specifically, those available for specialist accommodation related developments are fully committed. These and other aspects of the programme's operations are being considered fully in the context of the current mid-term evaluation of the programme. I am not in a position at this stage to anticipate the findings of this review.

Other EU funded programmes such as the Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry and the Leader II Programme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Local Urban and Rural Development Programme provide support for smaller tourism initiatives. In the Border counties assistance may also be available under the IFI and INTERREG Programmes and the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, again on a limited basis. This includes limited provision for accommodation projects, including, in some cases, guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments, on a basis compatible with that in the Operational Programme for Tourism.