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Tourism Promotion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (133)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

133. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support tourism in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40883/13]

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Written answers

I am satisfied that the tourism agencies are taking the necessary steps to support the sector at regional and national level. The most recent CSO figures for January to August showed a 6.5% increase in trips to Ireland compared to the same period in 2012 whereas the overseas revenue figures (excluding access fares) for the first three months of 2013 rose by 12% over the same period in 2012 to €541 million.

While a regional breakdown of these figures is not available, I am satisfied that the initiatives being taken by this Government are impacting positively on tourism in all of Ireland’s regions. These initiatives include reductions in VAT and employers’ PRSI and the Visa Waiver programme.  This year, the Government also extended the Employment and Incentive Investment Scheme to include tourism accommodation and introduced a diesel fuel rebate which benefited coach operators. 

The Government is providing almost €140m to support tourism in 2013 through activities including overseas and domestic marketing, investment in festivals and events and vital business supports to develop tourism across Ireland in both rural and urban areas.  In addition the Gathering has been responsible for the holding of gatherings and similar events up and down the country. Fáilte Ireland has also funded a range of capital projects throughout the regions including the Sliabh Liag cliffs project in Donegal, the redevelopment of King John’s Castle in Limerick, the Lee Valley Eco-Park in Tralee and the Viking Triangle in Waterford. Work on the development of the Wild Atlantic Way route is progressing. The route, when fully developed, will provide a compelling reason for visitors to spend their holiday along the Western seaboard stretching from Cork to Donegal.

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