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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

79 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the policy of his Department in relation to fostering environmental tourism facilities. [2490/01]

Under the national development plan, I secured some £100 million for tourism product development, which will be spent in line with the commitment in the "Review of the Action Programme for the Millennium, November 1999", to "maintain substantial investment in the development of environmentally sustainable tourism products which promote year-round tourism."

The overall objective of the tourism measure, within the regional operational programmes, is to develop the tourism product in an environmental and sustainable way that widens the spatial spread of tourism, diverts pressure from highly developed areas and increases under-performing areas' share of overseas tourism revenue.

All projects will be required to demonstrate environmental sustainability and to have regard to best practice in relation to environmental protection, including the findings from the "Review of the Tourism and Environment Pilot Initiative, September 2000".

Bord Fáilte is the implementing body for the tourism measure and decisions on grant approvals will be made by independent product management boards on the lines of those in place under the Tourism Operational Programme 1994-99. Bord Fáilte's detailed operational guidelines for the tourism measure are currently being finalised and, following their launch, proposals for funding will be invited.
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