Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
331. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce a specific grant for individual businesses to allow them to adapt their premises to provide facilities for outdoor dining given that it is expected that outdoor dining will be central to the tourism market in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12537/21]
View answer345. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will request Fáilte Ireland to include counties such as Tipperary in the outdoor dining grant scheme as requested by an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12851/21]
View answer357. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to request that Fáilte Ireland open the outdoor dining scheme to all counties including County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13508/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 331, 345 and 357 together.
All tourism funding schemes are designed and operated by Fáilte Ireland as the National Tourism Development Authority. With specific regard to outdoor dining, I understand that Fáilte Ireland is currently considering how best it could support outdoor dining experiences, including scoping out a proposed Outdoor Dining Scheme which has not yet been finalised or launched. I am advised that no final decisions have been made as to the parameters of the proposed scheme.
As the development of supports for outdoor dining experiences is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the agency for further information. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
