Vol. 482 No. 1
124 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the role, if any, he has in the development of dedicated off-road footpaths in urban and rural areas in view of the fact that more tourists visit this country to cycle than play golf; and if he will give details of the amount of resources invested in cycling compared to golf in view of this fact. [17376/97]
I have no role in the physical provision of cycleways or dedicated off-road cyclepaths. This is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government who will reply separately to the Deputy.
The tourism interest in relation to cycling arises in two ways, both of which are delivered in operational terms through Bord Fáilte. First, there is the development of "themed" cycling routes through the provision of literature, maps and signposting for cyclists, under Measure 4, Sub-Programme 2, of the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-99.
Second, providers of cycling holidays are brought together through product marketing groups and their services are marketed to domestic and foreign tourists, principally through a brochure which provides extensive details of the holidays on offer in Ireland. The brochure appears in four languages and is distributed widely by Bord Fáilte through international consumer and trade shows.
