The new Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-13 will be delivered by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
My Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 and 4 of the Programme. Axis 3 focuses on the Quality of Life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy, while Axis 4 deals with the administration of the Local Action Groups who will deliver the measures in Axis 3. Specific measures and projects under the Programme, including agri-tourism projects will be approved through the Local Action Groups that deliver the Programme on the ground throughout the country.
Axis 3 and 4 of the new Programme include measures which should provide significant opportunities in the rural/agri-tourism sectors. Two measures, in particular, are relevant. Firstly, the Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities measure, which has an overall budget of €16.66m, will support the development of tourism facilities and the development of niche tourism and educational services. Secondly, the objective of the Encouragement of Tourism Activities measure, with a budget of €45.4m, is to maximise the tourism potential of all rural areas. The allocations referred to are for the duration of the Programme; there is no specific allocation for any one year. The areas to be covered are those outside the local authority boundaries of the ‘Hub' and ‘Gateway' town and cities identified in the National Spatial Strategy.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to the implementation of the Programme, including tourism measures. In addition, discussions with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and Fáilte Ireland in relation to the specific tourism-related measures in the Programme take place as required.
I have not commissioned any studies into the development of farm-based tourism; however, the Programme does provide for such studies or analysis where required.