Enda Kenny
Question:6 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the acquisition of space to extend the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34634/05]
Other Questions.
Question No. 5 withdrawn.
Performing Arts.
When the relocation of UCD from Earlsfort Terrace to Belfield began in the 1950s, the expectation was that the site and premises at Earlsfort Terrace would transfer to the State as progress with the development of Belfield enabled Earlsfort Terrace to be vacated. Against this background, Government decisions in 1974 and 1981 to convert a portion of the building for use as a National Concert Hall were widely perceived as being the first step in the phased development of a performance complex at Earlsfort Terrace.
The opening of the NCH addressed a long perceived gap in the cultural infrastructure of the city for a venue suitable for classical music performance. Its location in an historic building with an imposing façade, well known to Dubliners and to generations of graduates countrywide, also contributed to its appeal. However, it was evident from the outset that the space allocated was cramped and inadequate, especially from the perspective of stage dimensions and backstage accommodation.
Notwithstanding these limitations, the NCH is highly regarded internationally by performers. It has broadened its cultural remit and now embraces traditional and popular music alike, serving the needs of patrons across all strata of society. That said, the seating layout and quality of the NCH is basic. Increasingly stringent health and safety and other legal requirements, including requirements coming on stream in respect of open access for disabled persons, are also proving to be problematic. These shortcomings cannot adequately be addressed within existing space constraints.
As the arrangements being made by the UCD authorities to relocate all remaining Departments and personnel from Earlsfort Terrace to Belfield are at an advanced stage, the university has signalled its preference to have the Earlsfort Terrace site placed at the disposal of the State subject to satisfactory terms being agreed. In turn, my preferred option is to utilise this site for the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall. Officials in my Department and the Office of Public Works have met several times with the university authorities to advance negotiations for the acquisition of the site. However, I will not be in a position to bring these negotiations to finality until I have secured Government approval for my plans for the redevelopment of the concert hall, which are currently before the Cabinet.
In the meantime and in anticipation of the availability of the Earlsfort Terrace site to the State in the near future, the OPW commissioned a feasibility study on how best to adapt the site and buildings to accommodate a state-of-the-art concert hall. An imaginative outline proposal to reconfigure the existing building to create a three hall performance space has emerged from this study. The key elements of the proposal are a new concert hall incorporating a main auditorium with a seating capacity for 2,000 patrons and meeting the requirement for open disabled access, the existing auditorium to be preserved for use as a rehearsal, general purpose and technical recording-broadcast space and a flexible smaller hall with a seating capacity of 500, enabling smaller concerts to proceed simultaneously with performances in the main concert hall.
I welcome the Minister's response. Does he agree it is critical that the State moves as soon as possible to acquire the facilities from UCD? I understand the UCD authorities are very anxious to move the medical and engineering faculties to Belfield as soon as possible and they await direction from the State. I remind the Minister that if the State had acquired some of the property beside the Abbey Theatre, there would not now be a need to move the theatre to another site. The Minister has the support of all Members of the House for the acquisition of the extra space to ensure that the National Concert Hall can accommodate existing demand.
The Minister will be aware the concert hall is often overbooked for performances. Certain international performers would come to Dublin if the concert hall had suitable space. The backstage facilities in particular are inadequate. This is an urgent matter. UCD is anxious to move out and is prepared to facilitate the State in this respect because of the national significance of the proposal. I appeal to the Minister and the Government not to procrastinate and to bring this opportunity to fruition as soon as possible.
I agree with everything Deputy Deenihan has said. While an excellent case can be made for the redevelopment of the hall, the Government must have regard to priorities when it comes to sanctioning substantive spending. In that context we are making the best possible case on behalf of the concert hall.
There are two costs involved: the cost of the site and the cost of the redevelopment of the building. These costs will both require Exchequer funding. Site cost valuation by UCD is in excess of €42 million and the building costs are estimated at €135 million with the total cost estimated at approximately €177 million.
The construction of a new auditorium with a capacity for up to 2,000 patrons, together with a smaller, flexible configuration of a recital auditorium with a capacity for up to 400 patrons, is proposed. It is envisaged events could take place simultaneously in both. The existing auditorium would be refurbished to be used by the National Symphony Orchestra for rehearsals and performances. Its current capacity of 1,200 seats would reduce to approximately 900 seats. However, it is not possible to confirm whether a three hall configuration would be adopted in the final analysis. It would be a matter of closely examining the financial costs and yield associated with such a proposal.
The proposed project is still at the feasibility stage and no architectural drawings have been made to date. It is important and interesting to note that the Office of Public Works is of the view that the project is not really suitable for a public private partnership arrangement.
I will allow a brief question from Deputy Deenihan.
Is it premature for the Minister to indicate the cost involved in acquiring the buildings?
I will allow a brief question from Deputy Wall.
Will the development work at the National Concert Hall affect the use of the hall?
This will depend upon the planners and architects and how they intend to proceed with the project. It would be possible to proceed in stages. Every effort will be made to ensure the concert hall can be used. In answer to Deputy Deenihan, the cost of the site is estimated by UCD to be in excess of €42 million.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Paul Kehoe
Question:7 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the establishment of the All-Ireland Greyhound Racing Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34618/05]
Officials from my Department have recently met officials from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland to discuss a number of issues common to both Departments including pursuing opportunities for all-island co-operation in the development of the horse and greyhound racing sectors.
A number of difficulties have been identified by officials with regard to an all-island approach to racing. For instance, responsibility for horse racing spans across a number of Departments in Northern Ireland and there is no central Government role or funding system for greyhound racing there.
Officials will continue to explore the issues involved with their Northern Ireland counterparts to explore the potential for all-island co-ordination in the development of the horse and greyhound racing sectors.
If there is one area in which an all-island body could be justified, it is the area of greyhound racing. Those who support greyhound racing in Northern Ireland come from both communities. It is one sport that attracts universal support from both communities. I am confident the Minister agrees with me on the great potential that exists for an all Ireland greyhound racing body.
Is the Minister aware that the recent blueprint for development of the sector to 2010 published by the British greyhound racing board does not refer to Northern Ireland? No one is looking after the interests of greyhound racing in Northern Ireland which has only one greyhound racing track, situated in the Brandywell, and which is closed. It is very unfair to the patrons of greyhound racing in Northern Ireland. They do not have the facilities such as are enjoyed in Dundalk and Lifford.
Will the Minister indicate if there is any possibility that the Republic of Ireland, through the greyhound board, could assist in the development of greyhound racing in Northern Ireland by using the arrangements in place under the Good Friday Agreement?
Deputy Deenihan is correct. Investment in the greyhound industry in the North of Ireland has been quite paltry. I understand no funding has been provided to tracks except for a once-off payment in 2001-2002 of €280,000.
Bord na gCon believes there is merit in considering a 32-county approach to greyhound racing and it is well positioned to extend its regulatory responsibility to the North. However, to date the industry in Northern Ireland has not received any financial support of any note or any at all, from the off-course bookmakers' market or from central Government funding. Bord na gCon considers it is crucial that the matter of funding of the sport in Northern Ireland be addressed prior to any determination on allocating responsibilities to an all-Ireland greyhound racing authority. Legislative changes would be required and the scope of the 1958 and subsequent Acts would need to be amended to reflect any change in scope and responsibilities.
I recently met Mr. Hanson, the Minister from the North. We discussed horse racing and greyhound racing but it became clear in the course of those discussions that there really is no clear central government role relating to greyhound racing in the North. In those circumstances it was agreed that officials of both Departments would consider how best to proceed and this is occurring as we speak.
There are obviously difficulties in bringing forward proposals for what is, in the final analysis, another jurisdiction. All we can do is try to see if we can reach a level of co-operation which would see us assisting in so far as we could the industry in the North of Ireland. Currently, 15% of prize money is won by northern greyhounds, which gives an indication of the level of activity here by greyhounds from the North of Ireland and perhaps also an indication of their quality.
In case we do not revisit this issue for some time, if the Northern Ireland Assembly is re-established would the Minister for the remainder of his time in office establish the investigation and putting in place of the type of body that would benefit racing in all parts of the country as a new priority?
This is one of the many areas which could usefully be addressed by a new executive and assembly in the North of Ireland. It is merely one of numerous examples of how the fact there is no assembly and executive in the North is inhibiting development on a cross-Border basis across several socio-economic sectors, one of which is the greyhound industry. My dearest wish is that we would be in a position to discuss with a minister from the executive in the North how we could co-operate and move on in terms of developing the industry on an all-island basis, not seeking any territorial advantage, dominance or anything like that but merely as a matter of commonsense. We have seen that kind of co-operation deliver tremendously well in the tourism sector, another area of my brief, through Tourism Ireland. Unfortunately, until the executive and assembly are up and running again in the North of Ireland it will be difficult to progress projects such as the greyhound industry. This affects several other sectors as well. No doubt co-operation North and South in several fields and sectors is more than desirable as has been illustrated repeatedly.
On the Minister's meeting with Mr. Hanson and the fact the commitment exists from both sides on the horse racing industry, did Mr. Hanson give any indication that he would try to progress this proposal in line with the overview of what Horse Racing Ireland has been able to do with the tracks in Northern Ireland?
No, he did not give any indication.
Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Dan Boyle
Question:8 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on his meeting with Mr. David Hanson MP, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, particularly in the context of opportunities arising from London hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. [34806/05]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:28 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be provided to create sports training facilities ahead of the London 2012 Olympics in order to attract competing athletes from other nations; his views on whether this is a matter of urgency in view of the short timeframe; his plan to maximise both tourism and sporting opportunities ahead of the games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34878/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 28 together.
I recently met with David Hanson MP, Northern Ireland's Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure for discussions on a number of sports issues, including the opportunities arising from London hosting the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The selection of London last July as the host city for the 2012 games offers Ireland an unprecedented opportunity for business, tourism and sport. Minister Hanson and I agreed there were tremendous opportunities for both Northern Ireland and the Republic to benefit from the games. The existing close working relationships which exist, both at departmental and sports council levels, will provide a solid basis upon which to maximise the opportunities ahead.
Undoubtedly many of the participating countries will be seeking to locate their competing athletes for pre-tournament training in places in close proximity to the United Kingdom and I have been advised by the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland that a number of countries have already inquired about the possibility of using Ireland as a base in the lead up to the London games. The attraction of Ireland to overseas teams participating in the games for acclimatisation and preparation purposes is an area on which the Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland could co-operate.
Since 1997, the Government has invested in excess of €700 million in Irish sport. Of this amount, approximately €500 million has been spent on the development of sporting facilities at a national, regional and local level. A significant proportion of this investment has gone towards developing a network of top class facilities around the country designed to meet the training, coaching and competition needs of our elite competitors in a wide spectrum of sports.
Among the major projects which have been supported are the Croke Park stadium, the National Aquatic Centre, the National Rowing Centre at Inniscarra, the national tennis centre, the National Boxing Stadium, the National Hockey Stadium at UCD and the National Coaching and Training Centre at the University of Limerick, which complements the wide range of top quality facilities provided at the university many of which have been used by international sportspersons. In addition, the early delivery of a sports campus at Abbotstown, which is being considered by the Government for funding in the context of the multiannual capital investment framework for 2006-10, would be a key element to Ireland's capacity to attract competing athletes to locate here.
With an estimated 1 million additional visitors to Athens for the 2004 Olympics, Ireland will be hoping to attract substantial additional visitors around the 2012 games with significant benefits for the tourism industry. Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland will be considering how best to tap into the potential tourism spin-off from the Olympic Games in London in 2012. Ease of access to London from an increasing number of airports on the island will be an important factor in exploiting the tourism dimension of the games.
The successful hosting of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2003 greatly enhanced Ireland's reputation and credibility on the world stage as a safe and welcoming destination. This very positive experience is one on which we can very usefully build in planning how we might optimise the tourism opportunities of the Olympic Games in 2012. To give added impetus to the drive to capitalise on the sporting and tourism opportunities of the London Olympic Games, I intend to establish an interagency group to support the work of the agencies already working in this area.
I thank the Minister for his reply. On the opportunities he expressed when the International Olympic Committee announced London as the venue for the 2012 games, following these discussions he had with the Northern Minister are concrete proposals on the verge of being made on joint approaches, not only on how sporting organisations and countries taking part in the Olympic Games might use facilities on this island but also on a more common approach to tourism through the existing all-island bodies?
He mentioned in his reply that the Irish Sports Council has already received a number of inquiries about the possibility of locating training camps in this country in advance of the 2012 Olympic Games. Could he provide more concrete detail on the number of such countries that have made inquiries? Is his Department and the Irish Sports Council targeting a number of countries that might be prepared to be based here?
On the question of the Paralympic Games, the Minister cited the example of the Special Olympic Games but they are different types of games. Ireland already has a proud record of participating and being successful in the Paralympic Games. Does the Minister see a particular role in such Irish experience in terms of achieving a cross-over for the benefit of the Paralympic Games that will also be held in London in 2012?
There have been no concrete agreements yet on precisely how we might co-operate on the 2012 Olympic Games. The meeting which I had with Minister Hanson was purely preliminary. We discussed generalities and no concrete proposal came from the meeting other than the fact that we agreed that co-operation was of pivotal importance. In that respect, it also was noted that there is a considerable number of facilities in this jurisdiction which might be utilised in the context of the 2012 games.
Since there are no definitive proposals or inquiries, it would clearly be remiss of me to seek to give any indication as to who was looking for accommodation or facilities. If we are to attract teams from abroad, the construction of the first phase at Abbotstown would be of immense importance. If our facilities are sufficient, athletes will be attracted here. We have a number of top class facilities which can be utilised but the first phase of the campus would be a considerable addition to those.
Our proximity to London is well documented. Indeed, some have suggested that it would be easier to get from Dublin to London than from Manchester to London during the course of the games and I believe that is true. Co-operation will continue and officials from my Department will enter into discussions with their counterparts in the North with a view to coming forward with concrete proposals on co-operation. This will be to the mutual benefit of each jurisdiction.
Is there a possibility of a cross-over with the Paralympic Games?
That possibility exists. We will certainly pursue it to the best of our ability. I acknowledge that Deputy Boyle's suggestion is a good one.
The existence of our national games means we have many sports facilities available around the country. Our national games are not included in the Olympic Games. Is it possible, through the work of the Irish Sports Council or the interagency group the Minister is to set up, that negotiations will take place with the GAA with a view to using some of its facilities? If they were used, there would be a much wider choice of facilities available to foreign teams and they would not have to base themselves around the capital only. Given our regional airports and infrastructure, we could provide wider scope for availing of tourism opportunities on foot of the games.
Fáilte Ireland should put together a package with the Irish Sports Council in this regard as early as possible. Given that we are receiving queries now, it is obvious that national teams are making travel plans well in advance of the games. They are making plans not for the upcoming games but the games thereafter so as to obtain the best facilities. This trend presents us with an ideal opportunity.
How soon will the interagency group be set up and how much scope will it have? It will obviously include the tourism agencies and sports agencies, such as the Irish Sports Council. Will local authorities and sports organisations be represented or will it just be a case of the Irish Sports Council representing the sports organisations?
It is my intention to establish, in the very near future, a wide-ranging group that will seek to ensure that Ireland capitalises as much as possible on London's hosting of the Olympic Games in 2012. The group should obviously comprise people in the tourism industry and the sports sector. It is appropriate that it comprise officials from my Department also. We will, in the very near future, give full consideration to how rounded the group should be.
On the question of Croke Park, to which Deputy Deenihan referred in a different context, and the possibility of our making the grounds available to visiting teams, the GAA, in its special congress meeting to discuss the question of the stadium being made available to the IRFU and the FAI, which are representative bodies of two other sports, made a decision that related only to the period of construction of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road. The resolution that was passed was quite specific and I must respect it. If the grounds are to be used by sports organisations other than the GAA beyond the period in which the new stadium at Lansdowne Road is being constructed, it appears there is a need for a new resolution at congress. While this can be pursued within the GAA, it has not been promised — that is a question for another day.
Does the Minister believe it would be wise to have an audit of our existing facilities to determine whether they meet international training requirements and to determine the number that would be suitable? Having done so, he could, through the International Olympic Committee, inform the various teams that will be participating in the Olympic Games in London of the availability of our facilities. Would this be a practical way to proceed? The national coaching centre in Limerick has received a number of inquiries in this regard, including on the day following the announcement that London was to host the games.
There is no doubt that many teams participating in the Olympic Games prefer not to stay in the host country if at all possible because of all the hype involved. They prefer somewhere quieter. There is almost no doubt but that we will attract some teams to this country.
An audit of our sports facilities is commencing and it should be completed in two or three years. The interagency group that I intend to establish can also examine facilities with a view to drawing up a list of those that would be suitable. There are many suitable facilities in the country.
National Conference Centre.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:9 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the appointment of the successful tenderer for the provision of the proposed national conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34586/05]
Seán Ryan
Question:33 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a provisional preferred tenderer has been designated for the award of the contract for delivery of the new national conference centre; when the issue of the award of the contract will be brought to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34900/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 33 together.
I am pleased to inform the House that, following approval by the Government, I announced yesterday that Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Consortium is being invited to become the provisional preferred tenderer for the provision of a national conference centre in Dublin. The decision was taken by the national conference centre steering group following a detailed assessment and evaluation of tenders received against award criteria set out in the Invitation to Negotiate document.
I understand that, in accordance with the competition process, the next step will be for the contracting authority, the Office of Public Works, to negotiate, settle and agree any required amendments to the project agreement with the provisional preferred tenderer and for the provisional preferred tenderer to resolve all outstanding due diligence issues. Assuming that these negotiations prove successful, the next step will be the appointment of the provisional preferred tenderer as preferred tenderer. During the preferred tenderer phase, the preferred tenderer will develop and provide the full range of project documents which will require review and approval by the contracting authority.
I am delighted that a further critical stage in the process of delivering a world-class national conference centre for Dublin has been completed and I look forward to the early completion of the next stages and to a final decision by the Government next year. I am particularly pleased that the commitment in the programme for Government to provide a national conference centre has taken this further major step towards final implementation.
On the basis of consultations undertaken by my Department and research reviewed, I am totally convinced of the need for a modern, dedicated national conference centre if Ireland is to realise its full potential in the very valuable international conference market.
I welcome the announcement. I am sure the Minister will agree that the existence of a national conference centre would add approximately €60 million to the Irish economy and create and support approximately 3,000 jobs. Will he be more specific regarding the provisional preferred tenderer? Might it transpire that negotiations will break down between the Government and the provisional preferred tenderer such that the latter might not be accepted by the Government? Will the Minister confirm that the tenderer has complied with all the procurement guidelines? Is there a question of any guideline not being adhered to? If the provisional preferred tenderer becomes the preferred or accepted tenderer, what timeframe does the Minister envisage before the start-up of this important facility for the country?
Of necessity, this has been a complex and difficult procedure. The tenderers underwent a rigorous examination and evaluation by the steering group, which was obliged to make a decision as to the preferred tenderer to go before Government for its decision. Issues had to be examined in detail. The current status is that the contracting party, the Office of Public Works, will enter into discussions with the provisional preferred tenderer to finalise negotiations.
I prefer to look at this matter in a positive light. The project has been mooted for many years. In a sense, we have read most of the chapters of the book and have now reached the last chapter. We will read and perhaps re-read the last chapter but, in the final analysis, within a period of approximately six to nine months the final preferred tenderer can be identified. It should then be possible to go to the Government with a view to designating the preferred tenderer. One can foresee all kinds of obstacles, of which there have been many in the provision of a national conference centre, but as we have passed the penultimate stage, I am confident that we can successfully conclude negotiations and have the conference centre built.
Tourism Industry.
Dinny McGinley
Question:10 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of North-South co-operation or joint initiatives in developing tourism on the whole island. [34643/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, tourism was identified in the Good Friday Agreement as an area of co-operation. With the establishment of Tourism Ireland as a North-South body responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas, we now have a shining example of the tangible benefits to be achieved from closer, more structured collaboration on this island.
I have just returned from a tourism promotional visit to London where I attended the Irish stand at the world travel market. I addressed a major reception organised by Tourism Ireland for the trade and media attending this prestigious exhibition. This event brings into very sharp focus the level and intensity of the competition in the global tourism market and I pay tribute to the professionalism of Tourism Ireland which, once again, mounted an Irish stand which was simply top class and captured the very best of what this island has to offer the international visitor.
In December, I will participate at the official launch of a new suite of advertising and promotional materials for Tourism Brand Ireland. This event will be the culmination of many months work by Tourism Ireland in researching and developing a new destination campaign for Ireland's overseas markets, which seeks to further tap the potential of our key tourism markets. I am confident that this new campaign will build on the two previous incarnations of Tourism Brand Ireland and will assist in delivering the ambitious targets for tourism growth set in the New Horizons report.
North-South co-operation on tourism exists on a less formal basis in areas such as education and training, product marketing and publicity, tourism statistics and research, e-business and e-marketing and accommodation standards. A variety of initiatives are being developed and pursued by the tourism agencies across these areas to deepen the level of co-operation that already exists. In October last, I launched two significant cross-Border tourism initiatives which would be of particular interest to the Deputy, the Destination North West and Glens and Lakelands projects. These projects are being supported to the tune of more than €2 million in EU and Exchequer funds, including funding from the three tourism agencies on the island. These initiatives will aim to highlight the incredible variety of the tourism product available in the north west. They also represent a significant achievement in terms of cross-Border co-operation as they bring together a diverse group of organisations, including North West Tourism, Derry City Council and Fermanagh District Council, as well as Causeway Coast Regional Tourist Organisation.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board have long recognised the value and basic common sense behind all-island co-operation in this sector. Through their actions, they have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the all-island approach. Significant work is under way todevelop an all-island e-marketing strategy which will ensure that the ever-increasing number of visitors who use the Internet to make their holiday plans can tap into all the information they need on the island of Ireland via one website. The three agencies are working closely on this initiative which I expect will come to fruition early in 2006.
As the Deputy will know, access is a key driver of tourism growth and I am glad that the promotion of City of Derry Airport is supported by a cross-Border grouping which includes Fáilte Ireland, NITB, Derry City Council and Donegal County Council. A key focus of Tourism Ireland's work is to act as strategic partner to, and engage in co-operative marketing programmes with, air and sea carriers. It has intensified this work in 2005 and is actively working with carriers and airports to maximise awareness of existing routes and secure additional route developments. It is also working closely with regional airports, North and South, to ensure we achieve the best possible regional spread when carriers are considering introducing new routes and services. What is encouraging in this regard is that there are now some 42 flights coming into City of Derry Airport each week from five different UK airports.
These are just some examples of the variety of North-South initiatives under way to develop tourism on this island. At this point, the all-island approach to tourism development is simply an integral part of the way the agencies operate. For my part, I am fully committed to the development of North-South co-operation at all levels and I am ready to support any new opportunities that may emerge in this regard in the future.
I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. I agree that Tourism Ireland is making a genuine effort to bring tourism to every part of this island and to generate co-operation between North and South. Nevertheless, does the Minister agree that there is an imbalance between the number of tourists who visit the areas south and north of a line from Dublin to Galway, favouring the area south of that line?
Does the Minister agree that for a number of years significant investment has been made in accommodation for tourists? Tax incentives have been utilised and hotels have been built in many areas, which is welcome. One can now travel to any part of Ireland and stay in a comfortable hotel. However, I am concerned with the condition of major tourists attractions, particularly in the north west, such as the Giant's Causeway and, in County Donegal, Glenveagh, the Glebe Gallery and Dunfanaghy Workhouse. Many of these attractions have been operating for a number of years and are in urgent need of upgrading to European standards. Are schemes envisaged, like the tax concessions scheme for accommodation, to enable us to bring these tourist attractions up to standard?
Every region needs what I would call a flagship attraction that would attract 100,000 or more visitors per year, such as Seaworld in Dingle in the Minister's county. The north west needs a major attraction. Are there plans or incentives to develop such a centre?
Is the Minister satisfied that one of the cross-Border groups, Waterways Ireland, is working to its full potential? It is responsible for an area of the tourism industry that has not been developed in line with developments in other European countries.
Waterways come under the remit of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív. I am not up to date on developments in that area other than to say that it might be possible for Deputy Wall to table a question on waterways to the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív. Naturally, I would encourage as much co-operation as possible in this regard and agree with Deputy Wall about the potential of waterways.
There have been many initiatives in recent years in the north east and north west. Under the tourism product development scheme some €50 million was made available for the provision of attractions in areas outside traditional tourist areas, such as Killarney. In this respect, Donegal has done extremely well in that a number of projects in the county have been nominated. Of major importance in the North is the plan for a new visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway, which is one of only three world heritage sites on the island. I visited it recently and was very impressed by the design, which was launched by my Northern counterpart as Minister, Ms Angela Smith MP. The centre will be of enormous significance.
The increasing business at City of Derry Airport is good news for access to the north-west and the north generally. This should be allied to the decision of Continental Airlines to fly into Belfast, the first time an American airline has operated a transatlantic route to Belfast. Continental Airlines states it is very happy with the amount of business achieved on that route.
Deputy McGinley is correct that the northern part of the island is coming from a lower base. Owing to more than 30 years of the Troubles, it was close to impossible on occasion to get tourists to visit the North of Ireland. People have traditionally visited Donegal, which is and continues to be a popular destination. In the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland, however, it was extremely difficult. Nonetheless, there are encouraging signs. Last year there was an increase of 11% in the number of visitors coming to the North of Ireland. Admittedly the base is low, but there is no question that there has been a vast improvement. The co-operation arrangement I announced recently in the North with my Northern Ireland colleagues should be of tremendous benefit.
Water Quality.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:11 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the potential negative effects on tourism if recommendations are not adhered to in light of the report published by Friends of the Earth Ireland (details supplied); his plans to implement a green policy regarding those involved in tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34885/05]
The report referred to by the Deputy has just been brought to the attention of my Department, and I have now asked my officials to review it in the context of the deliberations on the possible framework for tourism product development, post 2006. It is widely acknowledged that one of the strategic challenges for Irish tourism over the next ten years, in the area of product development, lies in managing the natural and built environment in ways that maintain and enhance their attractiveness for the benefit of domestic and overseas visitors.
Tourism is a sector that is firmly rooted in the natural and built environment and in the people and culture of Ireland. One of the key tourism objectives within An Agreed Programme for Government is to encourage the sensitive development of tourist areas and environmental best practice among providers. The demand for environmentally sustainable tourism development is one of the factors that influenced the work of the tourism policy review group and, therefore, the new strategy for tourism development now being rolled out by my Department, in consultation with the tourism industry.
The September 2003 report of the tourism policy review group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, pointed out that there is widespread acceptance of the importance of good management and conservation practices in maintaining and enhancing the attractiveness of both the built and the natural environment. At the same time, rapid growth has resulted in other pressures on the environment, including congestion, inappropriate development in sensitive areas and waste management systems that are inconsistent with modern day standards and the green image of Ireland.
The development strategy set out in the report provides a model to address interdepartmental issues relating to tourism development, including environmental sustainability. It complements a range of official work and participation in interdepartmental committees on environment-related issues. The nature of my Department's mandate is such that there are a number of important strategic results areas where it interacts with other Departments and agencies in order to deliver on Government policy. One of the key cross-cutting issues is the pursuit of an environmental policy that accommodates the sensitive development and expansion of tourism with opportunities for the development of rural tourism and the enjoyment of natural resources for tourism, sport and recreation.
I welcome the fact that the Minister is to investigate the report and obviously, this is something we can come back to at a later stage. The report highlights water pollution and waste as two features that will affect tourism. One is concerned with the number of fish kills that have occurred, the quality of water etc.
As regards the beaches aspect, will the Minister say whether there is a concerted effort to ensure that we have as many blue flag beaches as possible? Is there some mechanism within his Department for checking this because that is one of the highlights of a region, especially for children, where a family has come to Ireland on holiday. It is essential that beaches are top quality.
As regards waste, obviously the Tidy Towns competition has a major input. In the overall context, however, what plans has the Minister or his Department for improving the situation?
All my Department can do as regards the issues raised by Deputy Wall is to encourage the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to control waste and ensure there are as many beaches as possible that qualify for blue flags. These are issues for that Department. Under the report, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, to which I have referred, various measures are proposed for assisting with the environment, which is recognised to be very important. In that respect the group has been in touch with various Departments in order to advance the 70 plus recommendations it has made.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.