Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Golf Club Funding.

Michael Collins

Question:

822 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will make available the successful applications made for EU funding under the Operational Programme for Tourism to golf clubs for each of the years from 1994 to date; the amount of grant paid in each case; the number of applications for this grant on hand; and the dates on which these applications were made. [2029/98]

Phil Hogan

Question:

825 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if there is finance available for the development of golf courses in remote rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 825 together.

Measure 4 of sub-programme 2, Product Development, of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 makes provision for EU grant assistance for the development of championship golf courses in remote areas and for the provision or improvement of visitor and learner facilities in Bord Fáilte branded courses. Responsibility for the selection of projects under this measure rests with the independent product development management boards for the Bord Fáilte and Shannon Development areas.

Each management board is required to produce an annual report listing all board decisions and advising of any significant developments or trends in relation to applications falling under their aegis. The annual report includes details of all golf courses assisted.

The 1995 and 1996 annual reports were published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and are available to the Deputy in the Dáil Library. The 1997 and subsequent annual reports, when completed, will also be laid before both Houses.

Currently, applications for grant assistance under the programme are now far in excess of the funds available and no additional funds for tourism product were made available after the mid-term review of the programme CSF. In these circumstances, the product development management boards for the Bord Fáilte and Shannon Development areas have both been asked by the monitoring committee for recommendations in relation to possible inter measures-theme transfers. Until then, recommendations have been considered by the monitoring committee and it is not possible to state what, if any, finance remains available to support the development of golf courses in remote rural areas.