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Thursday, 18 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 80-85

Tourism Promotion

Questions (80)

Martin Ferris

Question:

80. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a recent Euorbarometre poll over 63% of respondents listed sea as a main attraction; in view of this, the efforts he has taken to promote growth in visitor numbers to coastal communities and towns around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45125/12]

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Written answers

The Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland, published by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in July of this year, presents a roadmap for the Government’s vision to tap into the economic potential of our seas, including marine tourism.  Land and seascapes combined with coastal communities and their associated culture and heritage have the potential to deliver a unique tourism experience.  Fáilte Ireland has been proactively working with coastal destinations all around the country to help them identify how they can become recognised as attractive tourism locations. Supports have been given to help build and develop experiences that will attract visitors and grow and develop businesses and the local economy.

For further information, as the matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply from the agency within ten working days.

Road Safety Strategy

Questions (81)

Denis Naughten

Question:

81. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding his road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44945/12]

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Written answers

The current Road Safety Strategy covers the period 2007 to 2012.  It was prepared by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which is responsible for leading, monitoring, reporting and evaluating the implementation of the strategy.  The overall objective, through a combination of education, enforcement and engineering actions, is to save lives and prevent serious injuries, thereby bringing Ireland in line with best practice countries in road safety terms.

The strategy has been successfully implemented across a range of agencies.  We have seen a sustained reduction in the number of road fatalities on Irish roads.  2011 saw the lowest number of road fatalities on record at 186, since records began and is the sixth consecutive year in which road fatalities in Ireland have fallen.  The figure for this year, to date, is again below the figure for the same period last year.

The RSA has commenced work on drafting the next strategy, which will cover the period 2013 to 2020. Discussions with relevant stakeholders are at an advanced stage and I expect that the new strategy will be submitted to me in the coming weeks.       

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 22.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 6.

Sports Facilities Provision

Questions (84)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

84. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the lack of recreational facilities for special needs children and for the differently abled; his plans to address this imbalance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45122/12]

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Written answers

While my Department has responsibility for the provision of sports facilities through the Sports Capital Programme, the wider provision of recreational facilities for special needs children and for the differently abled falls within the remit of a number of Government Departments including the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment that in planning legislation the Government will promote and support universal design whereby all environments can be used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of age, ability or disability. I believe that all new publicly funded sports developments and the redevelopment of existing facilities should be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.

I launched a special initiative in 2011 to provide grants to local authorities for enhanced disabled access and energy efficiency measures in swimming pools. More than €14m has been allocated to local authorities by my Department under this initiative.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 72.
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