Billy Timmins
Question:30 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to change the present regional structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15925/00]
Written Answers. - Regional Tourism Authorities.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the regional tourism authorities. The RTAs were established by Bord Fáilte, under the Tourist Traffic Acts, for the promotion and development of tourism on a regional basis. In line with the commitment set out in the Government's Action Programme for the Millennium, Bord Fáilte initiated a review of the RTAs during 1999. The objective of the review is to ensure that RTAs are positioned to make the optimum contribution to the realisation of national tourism objectives and targets set by Government while taking into account regional priorities and customer focus. In the context of the review, a report on the RTAs was commissioned by BFE from Fitzpatrick Associates to assist the deliberations.
Discussions between officials from my Department and Bord Fáilte on issues arising from the review process were concluded recently and I understand that the RTA chairmen have already been supplied with a copy of the Fitzpatrick report, which is an important input to the review. Last week, Bord Fáilte met with the managers of the RTAs to inform them of the outcome of the review and set out their vision for the future of the RTAs.
As most of the authorities are still considering the conclusions emerging from the review, the Deputy will understand that I am reluctant to go into too much detail at this point. However, I hope that it will lead to a clearer definition of roles for the RTAs, a greater strategic vision for development of tourism within their regions and an injection of dynamism into the process of regional planning and co-ordination.