Vol. 476 No. 2
215 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the resort status pilot programme currently in progress; his views on the value of expanding this scheme into areas currently under-achieving in terms of tourism in counties such as Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6741/97]
The pilot tax relief scheme for certain resort areas was introduced in the Finance Act, 1995 and operates for a three year period from 1 July 1995. The purpose of the scheme is to renew and update the tourist amenities and facilities in the areas designated. The 15 areas designated, including Bundoran, County Donegal, were selected in order to give an even spread around the coast of designated resort areas.
Reports received to date suggest that the scheme has been successful in attracting a significant level of investment. However, preliminary findings also suggest some variance of the level of overall investment between the designated areas and in terms of the tourism project type supported. Circumstances such as the long lead in time for capital projects, the planning process etc. inhabit the regional tourism authorities ability to establish an exact breakdown of investment at this stage.
However, from time to time, I have consulted with the Minister for Finance, who has primary responsibility for the scheme, about the possibility of extending it but we have agreed not to make any changes to its scope or to designate any new areas until the present three year pilot period has elapsed and a full evaluation has been completed. At this point it is simply too early to say what the outcome of the evaluation could be.
