Vol. 487 No. 1
70 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the special assistance, if any, to develop tourism and recreation in the regions following his recent announcement on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3304/98]
As a result of last year's Supplementary Estimate, Bord Fáilte has available an extra £5 million to enable it increase and intensify its level of promotional and marketing activity for the coming tourism season, with the particular objective of securing a broader regional distribution of tourism revenue. In response, the board has devised a multi-layered approach which consists of enhancing existing programmes, introducing new regional initiatives and exploiting opportunities which are coming on stream. The board's intention is to have a strong regional emphasis in the activities proposed and to maximise the return by integrating activity at local, regional and national levels.
Details of the specific activities involved were contained in my address to the Select Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation on 11 December 1997. My Department continues to provide assistance for recreational facilities. It is currently reviewing the sports capital programme and its application at local and regional level.
