Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2015
208. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding possibilities, Government backed schemes and so on that are available for pubs, restaurants and so on located on the Wild Atlantic Way. [20912/15]
View answer209. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available for pubs and restaurants located along the Wild Atlantic Way tourism route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20961/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
I have no direct role in the provision of business supports to individual tourism enterprises as this is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland provides a wide range of training and other supports for businesses in the tourism sector, as detailed on the Fáilte Ireland website – http://www.failteireland.ie/Supports.aspx. Furthermore, for tourism businesses located along or near to the Wild Atlantic Way, a dedicated section of Fáilte Ireland’s website allows them explore featured resources and use the supports to grow business – see http://www.failteireland.ie/Wild-Atlantic-Way.aspx. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
All tourism businesses can also avail of the supports and services offered by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) nationwide. The LEOs are the 'first stop shop' for people interested in starting up a new business or already in business. They provide advice, information and support in starting up or growing a business and have the most up-to-date information on supports and services across all state agencies and bodies – see https://www.localenterprise.ie/. Both Fáilte Ireland and the LEOs can advise tourism businesses as to their eligibility or otherwise in relation to various tourism-related tax schemes, including the Startup Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) and the Employment Investment Incentive (EII) schemes.
