Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022
94. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the potential funding streams or supports that are available to Sligo County Council and a group (details supplied) in view of the findings of a top level feasibility study which envisages Sligo Gaol as a flagship tourism and heritage attraction bringing in 55,000 visitors annually, in realising the potential of this valuable asset. [2574/22]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy. Accordingly, the development and enhancement of specific tourism product offerings and related funding decisions are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. My Department has no role in the administration of the agency’s grant programmes.
I should also clarify that I have no responsibility for the heritage function, which is a matter for my colleague, Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
On the specific matter of Sligo Gaol, this building is owned by Sligo County Council and I understand that the aims of the group to which the Deputy refers are to support the conservation of the gaol, to promote greater understanding of its history and heritage and to work towards the eventual opening of Sligo Gaol to the public for local access and tourism.
With regard to potential tourism funding streams available to Sligo County Council or the group referenced, while Fáilte Ireland currently has no relevant investment schemes open at present I understand that the agency can provide non-financial supports and advice – such as relevant insights and research documents with further information on what makes a successful visitor attraction and on relevant market segmentation, as well as training – which could inform subsequent stages of any development of the gaol.
In terms of the strategic approach to sustainable tourism development in the region, Fáilte Ireland is currently working with Sligo County Council and other relevant stakeholders on the collaborative development of a Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for County Sligo. Accordingly, the group in question should liaise with Sligo County Council and with Fáilte Ireland’s team locally so that the recommendations from the Sligo Gaol feasibility study commissioned by the group can be factored into DEDP considerations before finalisation and publication of the approved plan, which will then inform local tourism development and the optimal alignment of resources for the delivery of agreed priorities.
