Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2014
280. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid is available to new or start-up travel companies, especially companies that aim to target non-traditional markets in a bid to attract additional tourists to Ireland. [36191/14]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy and it is not involved in the administration of tourism funding programmes. Fáilte Ireland provides a range of business supports to individual tourism businesses throughout the country, but they do not provide grants for business expansion. To access these supports the company should contact Fáilte Ireland's dedicated customer support team.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for additional information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not hear within ten working days.
New businesses should also consider approaching a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) which is in a position to offer a range of grants including grants for feasibility studies and business expansion. There is a network of 31 LEO offices across the country.
