Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

386 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the programmes which have been put in place to facilitate the development of tourism in the Border counties, particularly those that are underdeveloped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6748/02]

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

The tourism product development scheme, which I launched recently, has a particular focus on less developed tourism areas, including those in the Border counties. The scheme, which will be administered by Bord Fáilte, is funded under the Local Enterprise Development Priority of the two regional operational programmes in which provision has been made for public sector investment of some €130 million in tourism product development over the next five years. This amount includes €55 million support from the European Regional Development Fund.

The overall objective of the scheme is to develop the tourism product in a sustainable way that widens the spatial spread of tourism, eases pressure in highly developed areas and increases the share of tourism revenue for underperforming regions.

Under the terms of the scheme, provision is made for the development of major attractions; the upgrading and packaging of geographically and financially sustainable clusters of existing attractions; the development of special interest pursuits; and for projects promoting the better management of the relationship between tourism and the environment.

The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) Tourism Programme has been very successful in stimulating private sector investment and creating jobs within the tourism sector. Its programme for 2002 will continue with the implementation of programmes approved in 2001 and with the development of new and innovative concepts and themes with the potential to spur economic growth in the Border regions. The total allocation to the Southern border counties under the IFI tourism programme for 2002 is €2.31 million.

Funding for tourism promotion of the Border region has been provided in the new programme for peace and reconciliation which will run until the end of 2006. This programme has just started to come on stream after prolonged negotiations with the European Commission. The INTERREG III Programme is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2002. While specific tourism related measures have not been included in the Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG III Programme, support for tourism related projects may be provided where they meet the criteria of other elements of the programme.