Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
925. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Dublin Tourism Office, which was run in the old church in St. Andrew's Street by Fáilte Ireland; the plans to replace the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55407/13]
View answer926. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy on the tourism offices in Dublin for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, specifically at St. Andrew's Church, Dublin; the reason these services are being discontinued; whether there is now an emphasis being placed on private operators and tour guides as opposed to public bodies, such as those referred to; whether Fáilte Ireland will have to carry the burden of complaints of consumers using these private operators; to outline the relationship between Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourism Board; to outline any plans to develop tourism facilities in the area of Dublin City Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55410/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 925 and 926 together.
Fáilte Ireland operates an extensive network of Tourist Information Offices throughout the country. The day to day management of the offices, opening hours and locations are administrative matters for Fáilte Ireland. In keeping with general public service reforms, Fáilte Ireland is reconfiguring service delivery and reshaping its programmes. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland considers that the existing building in St Andrew's Church is no longer fit for purpose to serve a modern tourist information office and that it is too large for the number of staff it houses. Accordingly, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport recently authorised Fáilte Ireland to lease another building for use as a Tourist Information Office. Preparations are in hand to adapt this building and it is planned to open the new office later this year.
I have no role or function in the oversight of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board; Tourism Ireland is the North/South body responsible for the promotion of the island of Ireland overseas but has no role on the island of Ireland.
Private businesses are free to establish tourist information offices and centres and Fáilte Ireland have no regulatory role in that regard.
In relation to the area around City Hall in Dublin, Fáilte Ireland is developing a discovery trail, entitled "The Dubline" which aims to bring together all the cultural, business, community and public stakeholders along the route from Trinity College to Kilmainham to provide visitors to Dublin with a unique cultural experience. It is planned that the trail will include the provision of a dedicated visitor centre at Barnardo's square.
I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the deputy with more detailed information in relation to this project. Please contact my private office if you do not receive the information within ten working days.
