Written Answers Nos. 82-100
82. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on retaining two stadiums (details supplied) to ensure equal access for both clubs’ League of Ireland and Women’s National League teams. [2648/22]
View answer135. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the significant importance of a stadium (details supplied) for women’s football in Ireland; the way that women’s football will be supported in the absence of the stadium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2647/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 135 together.
The two stadiums referred to by the Deputy are owned by Dublin City Council. Accordingly, any development plans and issues around the future usage of the stadiums are matters for the Council in the first instance.
My Department provides grant assistance for sporting facilities through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Under the SCEP, grants of up to €300,000 are available to community organisations, sports clubs, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities to develop or refurbish sports facilities. The LSSIF is designed to provide financial support to sports projects where the grant sought is greater than the maximum available under the SCEP. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and to date approximately €86.4m has been provisionally awarded to 33 different proposals.
Dublin City Council's proposal for the development of Dalymount Park was among the successful projects and a grant of €918,750 was awarded towards the cost of bringing the project to tender stage. This design work has commenced and my Department made its first payments in respect of this grant towards the end of last year.
In terms of future usage, I understand that a management strategy for the entire complex including the usage of the pitch will need to be agreed. While this is ultimately a matter for Dublin City Council, I understand that the current plan is that the new stadium will accommodate the male and female senior teams of both Bohemian and Shelbourne Football Clubs.
With regard to future plans for Tolka Park, a key consideration in the assessment of any applications under the SCEP and the LSSIF is the likelihood of increasing participation including female participation and the government is committed to continued investment in our sport infrastructure in the years ahead. Any future application for funding for Tolka Park under either the SCEP or LSSIF will be considered on its own merits in line with the relevant assessment criteria.
83. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding that has been provided to arts and culture centres in County Carlow; the capital investment that will be available in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2519/22]
View answerFunding is available under the National Development Plan for culture and creativity investment programmes. These are closely aligned with the Creative Ireland Programme and include a range of investments in regional arts and culture facilities.
Recent decades have seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres, many of which were initiated and funded by local authorities. These centres are also supported through capital schemes operated by my Department. Current funding provided to these arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council is critical to ensuring that a stable and vibrant network can be maintained.
The Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 is a €4.7m capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres administered by my Department to enhance the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country.
In response to the pandemic, my Department opened stream D of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 in July 2020 to not-for-profit arts and culture organisations. Funding is available for capital adaptations and equipment to assist arts and culture organisations to reopen safely.
Capital funding for the Outdoor Public Space Scheme is provided to local authorities to adapt, equip or otherwise improve public spaces for cultural and events activities, taking account of public health guidelines and of the needs of the local arts community.
Under the Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme, a total of 88 grants of up to €25,000 each have been awarded to venues, performance facilities and private sector classes throughout the country for Covid adaptation improvements, including ventilation.
The funding that has been provided to arts and culture centres in Carlow includes the following projects. I awarded €250,000 to Carlow County Council to provide an Outdoor Public Space at the Carlow Exchange in Carlow town. As construction progresses, the investment funds will be paid by my Department to the local authority. Carlow Arts Centre - Visual received €4,100 last year, €10,000 in 2016 and €20,000 under the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme and the Small Capital Grants Scheme respectively.
The Eigse Carlow Arts Festival was paid €13,228 under the Arts & Culture Capital Scheme in 2017. The United Fall CLG was paid €10,000 under Stream D of the Cultural Capital Scheme to enable it to re-open safely during the pandemic. Last month, Flexhaven Ltd, trading as the Dinn Rí Hotel, Carlow was paid €25,000 under the Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme.
84. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking to ensure a rapid regrowth in international tourism to Ireland in 2022; the extra supports she intends giving to the sector due to the spread of the omicron variant of Covid-19 to ensure this vital sector survives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1360/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the tourism sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic so I was therefore pleased to secure a record level of funding for tourism in Budget 2022: €288.5 million in total, an increase of €67.5 million over the 2021 allocation. The allocation includes €50 million for business continuity supports and a €35 million increase to the Tourism Marketing Fund to support the delivery of a marketing strategy to help restore inbound tourism to Ireland.
As part of its marketing strategy, Tourism Ireland has established a recovery framework which will be underpinned by an extensive programme of promotional activity throughout 2022. Tourism Ireland will continue to work with airlines and ferry companies through a programme of jointly funded marketing initiatives to support the restoration of air and sea access routes which are so vital for tourism’s return to growth.
Fáilte Ireland recently announced indicative details of how the €50 million funding provided in Budget 2022 for the Tourism Business Continuity Programme will be allocated to assist strategic tourism businesses to recover in 2022. Fáilte Ireland has designed the programme to support those still experiencing the most difficulty as a result of the pandemic. The phasing of the programme has been set out to make sure that support is provided quickly to the businesses that need it most urgently and taking into account other Government funding that has already been received.
The Government recently agreed a number of changes to the major economy-wide support schemes available to businesses affected by the latest public health restrictions. Changes were made to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and the tax debt warehousing scheme to expand the supports available to businesses affected.
It is important that future tourism growth must be sustainable as well as being consistent with our sectoral climate change targets and commitments. In that regard, I know that Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are also working towards the longer term goal of ensuring that we are successfully marketed as a sustainable tourism destination. As we rebuild our tourism sector we will seek to realise Ireland’s ambition to be amongst the world leaders in sustainable tourism practices and to set out a path for a green transition of the tourism industry and our destinations to become leading sustainable tourism destinations.
85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is considering hosting niche events in Ireland in 2022 and the years that follow to entice more persons to visit Ireland. [2435/22]
View answerLargescale sporting and cultural events play an important role in attracting tourism and other activity to Ireland and, as we work to rebuild the tourism sector, there is clear value in attracting other smaller-scale events to Ireland. Such events can occur in a range of sectors such as business conferencing, culture and sport.
Business tourism, including conference tourism, has been an area of growth in recent years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, have operational responsibility for the development and promotion of this sector. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for developing business tourism strategy and, internationally, it works with Tourism Ireland under the "Meet in Ireland" brand to support the positioning of Ireland as a world-class conference destination. The "Meet in Ireland" team works collaboratively with key stakeholders and aims to secure high profile conferences for Ireland.
The holding of international sports events can provide a positive showcase for Ireland and help attract additional international visitors. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination and can contribute to developing a positive international profile. I am very supportive of the on-going efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport to attract international events. Tourism funding and other supports are available through Fáilte Ireland to assist with the bid stage of strategically important events. As regards sports funding, as part of the normal annual funding process NGBs can apply to Sport Ireland for funding to assist in meeting the costs involved in hosting major competitions and events.
Looking at 2022 and beyond, I understand that the pipeline of events is looking very positive in terms of events confirmed, events currently being bid for and other events in business development. With specific regard to those events due to be hosted in Ireland in 2022 and for which Fáilte Ireland funding has been confirmed, I understand that 18 such events, each due to attract over 1,000 international delegates, are to take place this year. These include the World Library and Information Conference in Dublin which is due to attract an estimated 3,000 international delegates; an Airline Economics association conference in May 2022 with an estimated 3,500 international delegates; the 11th World Potato Congress from 30 May to 2 June 2022 at the RDS, with potentially up to 1,900 international delegates; and the 2022 World Lacrosse Men's under-21 World Championship due to take place at the University of Limerick from 10-20 August 2022.
My Department, in conjunction with the NGBs, Sport Ireland and other key stakeholders, also supports the hosting of major international sporting events in Ireland, recognising the contribution of such events not just to sport but also to trade, tourism, business, community pride, and community engagement.
86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if further consideration will be given to the development of monastic trails as part of the tourism infrastructure both within this State and on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2639/22]
View answer148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has had recent discussions with her counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the further development of tourism infrastructure on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2640/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 148 together.
At the outset, I should clarify that, while my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to invest in tourism attractions and experiences nationwide, the development and promotion of tourism product experiences are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland.
I am aware, however, that Fáilte Ireland’s strategy is to have a portfolio of walking and cycling trails ranging from multi-day long distance trails to shorter looped walks that can be enjoyed by visitors to a destination.
Where interpretation is incorporated into trail development, visitors will be introduced to a range of things to do and see either along or adjacent to the trail. Sites of historical interest will also be incorporated on trail head map boards. It is not Fáilte Ireland’s intention, however, to specifically develop monastic trails as standalone tourism products.
With specific regard to cross-border initiatives, as the Deputy is aware, the designation of Tourism as an area for cooperation on an all-island and cross-border basis under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement provides the structures to develop North/South tourism cooperation, primarily through the work of the North South Ministerial Council. Unfortunately, it was not possible for the Council to meet to discuss tourism issues during 2021, but I look forward to resuming these discussions through the NSMC in the near future. At our most recent meeting on 25 November 2020, we agreed to review the work programme of the NSMC Tourism sector to ensure that we are taking full advantage of the opportunities that cooperation in the sector offers.
My officials are continuing to liaise on tourism matters with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland - through monthly meetings and also quarterly operational meetings with both the Department for the Economy and Tourism Ireland.
Later this afternoon, I will be taking part in the latest in a series of Shared Island Dialogue events hosted by the Department of An Taoiseach. This afternoon's dialogue will focus on all-island tourism - looking back on the last 20 years of north-south tourism co-operation before then considering the challenges and opportunities of the next 20 years. I am very excited by the speakers and panels that will be taking part in the Tourism Dialogue, and am very encouraged by the range and number of delegates and observers who will be attending.
My Department and its tourism agencies will continue to foster north-south co-operation to enhance an all-island tourism offering and grow international visitor numbers.
87. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the uptake of support by county from the tourism business continuity scheme since its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2325/22]
View answerIn Budget 2021, I secured €55 million for Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and a further €50m in Budget 2022. Additionally in 2021, €10m was paid by Fáilte Ireland under the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and €10m under The Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme.
The purpose of the funding provided through the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme has been to support strategic tourism businesses to survive through the pandemic and help drive the recovery of tourism. There have been five phases of the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme in 2021 which ran from February to September. The various phases of the Scheme provided a direct financial contribution to support business continuity plans and contribute towards fixed costs.
Phase One supported businesses that were ineligible to receive the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) such as outdoor tourism activity providers, tourism golf courses, hop-on hop-off tourism bus tour operators, cruise hire companies, tourism boat tour operators, visitor attractions, and caravan and camping and outdoor accommodation providers. I am happy to confirm that that more than €7.6m was provided to 280 successful applicants in this phase.
Phase Two supported the tourism transport sector as it was deemed a strategically important sector that enables visitors to access the geographically dispersed Irish tourism offering. This Phase has seen grants amounting to over €13.3m awarded to 201 applicants.
Phase One Plus, which is the third Phase of the Scheme, is a continuation of the earlier Phase One. This phase supported certain tourism businesses that were ineligible or not included in Phase One, or who had missed the deadline. Under Phase One Plus €1.6m has been provided to 43 applicants.
Phases 4 and 5 of Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Business Continuity Scheme closed for applications on Friday, 24 September. Phase 4 supported attractions and activity tourism operators with Phase 5 supporting Fáilte Ireland-approved tourism accommodation providers. Under Phase Four, €5.8m has been provide to 165 applicants. €24m has been provided to date under Phase 5 of the scheme with further payments to issue this month.
Fáilte Ireland recently announced their plans for the allocation in 2022 of €50million, provided in Budget 2022, for further phases of the Tourism Business Continuity Programme.
The first Scheme, the Strategic Tourism Transport Business Continuity Scheme 2022 was launched on the 11th January and aims to support the tourism transport sector. The strategic Ireland Based Inbound Agents scheme opened for applications on 12th January 2022. Further schemes under the Tourism Business Continuity Programme for Attractions and Activity Providers and Tourism Accommodation Providers will commence in March 2022.
The Deputy asked for a breakdown of the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme's allocations and recipients by county. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide this information to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not receive a response within ten working days.
88. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications and grants under the live performance support scheme 3, LPSS3 and for the seasonal musical theatre and pantomime scheme, LPSS2, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2500/22]
View answerI am fully aware of the severe difficulties being faced by live performers and all artists as a result of the pandemic and my Department and I have met with stakeholders regularly to understand these challenges and put in place appropriate supports for the sector.
In December I was pleased to announce details of a €50 million suite of measures to support the live performance sector in 2022. As part of this suite of supports and, building on the success and exceptional demand for the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 (LPSS 2021), a further strand of this scheme, called the LPSS 3, opened for applications on December 20th. LPSS 3 will support events which were due to be staged in December 2021 and January 2022 and have been curtailed, cancelled or rescheduled due to the restrictions on audience capacity at live performances at 50% and a closing time of 8pm.
In addition to LPSS 3, further supports will also be provided for the sector in 2022, including;
- Another strand of the Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 4), to support performances being staged from February 2022 to June 2022. Further information, including guidelines for this scheme will be made available in the coming weeks.
- Another round of the MEBAS (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme) scheme due to be announced shortly, this scheme is specifically to support small music and entertainment businesses which do not operate out of a rateable premises;
- €5m for Local Authorities to support local artists and performances through the LLPSS (Local Live Performance Support Scheme). This scheme in particular has provided thousands of hours of employment for local musicians, artists and crews.
- €5m to continue the capital supports scheme (CECGS) to venues, including for ventilation upgrades and other COVID adaptations
- €1m for the Saint Patrick's Festival 2022
The LPSS 3 scheme will remain open for applications until January 31st and LPSS 2 just closed for applications yesterday at 1pm. On that basis it is too early for me to give further details on the applications and the county they have come from until the assessments of the applications have been completed. That detail should be available in the coming weeks once the evaluation process has been completed.
LPSS and LLPSS 2021 funded thousands of hours of employment for artists, musicians and crew in 2021. I am confident the schemes will provide further employment opportunities in 2022.
I am committed to supporting the live performance and nightclub sector as they journey through a difficult and unprecedented phase of business operations. I will continue to review the supports for the sector on an ongoing basis.
89. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects the review into the large-scale sport infrastructure fund to be completed; and when new applications from local authorities for swimming pools will be accepted. [1745/22]
View answer119. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the review of the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2524/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 119 together.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027.
The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and, thus far, approximately €86.4m has been awarded to 33 different proposals. The total funding applied for under the scheme significantly exceeded the amount available to allocate and it was not possible to allocate grants to many worthy projects.
While the priority in the short term is to advance all of the successful projects, as it is now two years since the first allocations were made, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has now met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in drafting the Review. I expect this work to be finalised shortly.
Once that Review is complete the scope for awarding any additional grants and the timing of any new call for proposals, including applications for new swimming pools, will be considered.
90. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement she has had with the stakeholders on promoting the Gearagh, County Cork for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2592/22]
View answerAt the outset, I should clarify that regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders.
Fáilte Ireland continues to work closely with stakeholders in the Lee Valley area to develop and promote the area as a tourism destination. I know that the Gearagh (a submerged glacial woodland and statutory nature reserve located in the Upper Lee Valley) is a significant tourism asset to the Lee Valley.
In 2021, Fáilte Ireland launched the Discover West Cork Digital Brochure to promote areas from Kinsale to Ardgroom. The brochure was developed by the West Cork Tourism Network (a representative group including Fáilte Ireland, Cork County Council, Pure Cork and tourism businesses) and features tourism attractions, outdoor activities as well as hospitality businesses. It is designed to help tourism businesses highlight the standout experiences in West Cork to potential visitors to the area, while encouraging visitors to see more of the area and increase visitor dwell-time.
The digital brochure is being promoted online and the content was used last summer as part of Fáilte Ireland’s Keep Discovering domestic marketing campaign. The Lee Valley is well represented within the digital brochure with a selection of walking trails from that area featured, as well as the Múscraí Gaeltacht.
The Gearagh and wider Lee Valley area will also benefit from Fáilte Ireland's development of a Destination Experience Development Plan for the Three Peninsulas in West Cork. It is expected that development of the Three Peninsulas' tourism offering will also have a positive impact on the Gougane and wider Lee Valley area. Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland has included representation from the Gougane/Lee Valley area on the Plan's implementation group, to ensure that lessons learned from the Plan can be be applied where appropriate to the Lee Valley area.
Investment in the wider West Cork tourism offering will also lead to increased visitor footfall to the region. Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Team is involved in a tourism development plan for the Múscraí area, working with Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí, gteic (Údarás Na Gaeltachta), Cork County Council and local businesses. The Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí trail in West Cork has also received funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development to boost outdoor recreation and recreation tourism and I also understand there are developmental plans for a museum in Ballingeary.
Fáilte Ireland is continuing to work with tourism attractions, activity providers and other tourism businesses in the Lee Valley area to develop their visitor experiences.
91. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps that have been taken to support musicians and other artists through the renewed restrictions on hospitality and cultural events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2655/22]
View answerThroughout the pandemic I have been very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts, culture and live entertainment industry and I remain committed to supporting musicians and artists throughout these difficult times. My Department and I have met with stakeholders regularly to understand these challenges and put in place appropriate supports for the sector.
I have engaged extensively with my Government colleagues to advocate for the retention of horizontal supports like the PUP, EWSS and CRSS which are critical to ensuring the survival of the live performance sector.
In December I was pleased to announce details of a €50 million suite of measures to support the live performance sector in 2022. As part of this suite of supports and, building on the success and exceptional demand for the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 (LPSS 2021), a further strand of this scheme, called the LPSS 3, opened for applications on December 20th. LPSS 3 will support events which were due to be staged in December 2021 and January 2022 and have been curtailed, cancelled or rescheduled due to the restrictions on audience capacity at live performances at 50% and a closing time of 8pm.
In addition to LPSS 3, further supports will also be provided for the sector in 2022, including;
- Another strand of the Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 4), to support performances being staged from February 2022 to June 2022. Further information, including guidelines for this scheme will be made available in the coming weeks.
- Another round of the MEBAS (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme) scheme due to be announced shortly, this scheme is specifically to support small music and entertainment businesses which do not operate out of a rateable premises;
- €5m for Local Authorities to support local artists and performances through the LLPSS (Local Live Performance Support Scheme). This scheme in particular has provided thousands of hours of employment for local musicians, artists and crews.
- €5m to continue the capital supports scheme (CECGS) to venues, including for ventilation upgrades and other COVID adaptations
- €1m for the Saint Patrick's Festival 2022
LPSS and LLPSS 2021 funded thousands of hours of employment for artists, musicians and crew in 2021. I am confident the schemes will provide further employment opportunities in 2022.
I am committed to supporting the live performance and nightclub sector as they journey through a difficult and unprecedented phase of business operations. I will continue to review the supports for the sector on an ongoing basis.
92. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the progress of establishing an expert group to review the possibility of introducing an individual complaints mechanism for harmful online content within the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2300/22]
View answerMay I begin by thanking the members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media for their work on the pre-legislative scrutiny report on the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, which including a recommendation for provision for an individual complaints mechanism for harmful online content. This is a matter I have been considering closely for some time.
The issue of providing for avenues of redress in terms of individual pieces of content in the online world is complex. The approach in the development of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill to date has been to provide the Online Safety Commissioner with the power to require that regulated online services have effective complaints mechanisms in place with powers of audit and investigation provided to the Commissioner in that respect. The Bill also provides for a super complaints mechanism whereby nominated bodies may notify the Commissioner of concerns regarding a designated online service’s compliance with an online safety code, or of concerns relating to the availability of harmful online content on a service.
I am conscious that the introduction of an individual complaints mechanism raises a number of complex practical and legal issues, including in terms of the sheer volume of content online, that Ireland will be regulating a number of services on an EU wide basis, and questions relating to due process requirements and how quickly decisions could reasonably be made by the Online Safety Commissioner.
In light of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, I am examining how these difficult issues can be addressed. As I announced last week, I will shortly establish an expert advisory group to report within 90 days on these matters with recommendations for how best to address these issues. I intend to announce the membership of the group in the coming days. Following the report of the group, I will consider whether and how to give effect to any recommendations through amendments to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill at Committee Stage.
93. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the strategies in place to deliver on the recommendations proposed by the Night-time Economy Taskforce including the status of the establishment of an implementation structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2504/22]
View answerThe Night-time Economy is a hugely important sector, contributing to our economy and our cultural and creative sectors and it is important that we protect, support and sustain it – particularly as we begin to emerge out of this pandemic and we start to think about how and where we socialise and how we plan our city and town centres.
The Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce contained 36 practical recommendations in the area of regulation, licensing, planning, transport, safety and increasing the diversity of activities as part of the night-time offering. A robust implementation structure is currently being established to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in full and also, importantly, that the document remains current and that new ideas and new developments are included as the work progresses. Meanwhile, I am working with colleagues across Government and stakeholders to drive the implementation of the various actions in this Report and work is well underway to implement the actions in the Report. I was delighted to allocate €4m from my Departments budget this year towards the implementation of this Report.
Last year, my Department provided support for a new a series of late night events across the country as part of Culture Night on foot of the Taskforce recommendation in this area. It is intended to build on this for this year’s Culture Night.
Work is well underway with our partners in the local authority to start the pilot initiative establishing new "Night-Time Advisors" in six cities and towns to develop new Night-Time Economy opportunities.
My Department also recently worked with the nightclub sector (Give Us The Night), the vintners associations, An Garda Síochána and the local authorities to deliver on-line vulnerability training for nightclubs and bars as they plan for a full reopening. This training was very well received and is being rolled out in support of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report recommendation which highlighted the issue of public safety.
Progress is also being made by my own Department and other members of the Taskforce, working with stakeholders, in the development of responses to many of the other actions also and I look forward to continued progress across all areas of this Report over the coming months.
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.
96. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her strategy to ensure that environmental sustainability will be a core component of the recovery of the tourism sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2496/22]
View answer143. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline the strategy to support sustainable tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2495/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 143 together.
The COVID-19 crisis has left our tourism sector in a much weakened state but it has also provided an opportunity to address sustainable tourism development in a more meaningful way during the recovery and rebuilding phase following the crisis. There is also a need to look even further, beyond the challenges that have been brought upon by the impact of the pandemic, to ensure a long term shift towards a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Late last year I brought a report to Government, developed by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group under the aegis of my Department, which identifies a suite of actions that will promote sustainable tourism practices ahead of the development of a new national tourism policy. The successful implementation of the actions in this interim action plan will ensure that sustainability is taken into account in policy development, business planning by the tourism agencies and industry as well as in destination management and promotional activity.
In Budget 2022, I secured a record level of funding for tourism. This funding will support measures to help address short-term survival-related concerns and also enable recovery across the tourism sector as we reopen to international tourism and begin to transition to a more sustainable future. In addition this funding will also allow the tourism agencies to deliver on their commitments in the sustainable tourism interim action plan.
For example, this year Fáilte Ireland will develop and roll out a suite of supports and workshops to help tourism businesses to implement sustainability best practice and use the benefits of sustainability for their business. Fáilte Ireland will also initiate the development of carbon calculators which will allow tourists and tourism businesses to evaluate the impact of their carbon footprint on the environment. Tourism Ireland will create new sales and marketing opportunities for those sustainable tourism businesses that want to grow their international business. Measures such as these will shine a light on areas and destinations at home that are striving to be best in class in terms of sustainability and provide better access to information and tools for the tourism industry and visitors to practice responsible tourism.
In line with our Programme for Government commitments, officials within my Department have taken initial steps towards the development of a new national tourism policy which will mainstream sustainability. It is clear that the traditional model of tourism is changing and the development of this new policy will set out a path for the coming years and beyond which will support a sustainable recovery, not only from an environmental but also social and economic viewpoints.
To successfully deliver on sustainable tourism we need to provide high quality environments and experiences which drive improved visitor satisfaction levels with a greater regional spread of tourism visitation and value. I look forward to this transition for the tourism industry and for our destinations with better access to information and tools for visitors to practice responsible tourism.
97. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the new watchdog Coimisiún na Meán will be established and begin its necessary work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2437/22]
View answer198. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of preparing the regulatory capacity, structures and expertise of the media commission ahead of its planned establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2506/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 198 together.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill will, when enacted, formally dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, which will be responsible for overseeing the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services and the new regulatory framework for online safety set out in the Bill.
All provisions of the Bill are subject to a commencement order. Accordingly, Coimisiún na Meán will be formally established after the enactment and Bill and the making of a Ministerial commencement order.
It is essential from both an operational and reputational standpoint that Coimisiún na Meán has sufficient staff with experience and skills at the appropriate level in order to effectively carry out its regulatory functions. Given the importance of Coimisiún na Meán, Government has approved its establishment on an administrative basis prior to the enactment of the Bill. Work is underway between my officials and officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Appointments Service to start recruitment of key staff of the Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner, through open public competitions.
While Coimisiún na Meán will ultimately be funded through levies on regulated services, I secured €5.5 million in Budget 2022 in start-up funding for to support the administrative establishment of An Coimisiún and enable it to hit the ground running as soon as it is formally established.
98. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 11 November 2021, her plans to publish the minutes taken in respect of fortnightly meetings between her Department and Galway 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2440/22]
View answerThere are no plans to publish the minutes of the fortnightly meetings between my Department and Galway 2020, which were held primarily for purpose of the ongoing monitoring of the restructured Galway 2020 programme. However, I can arrange for my officials to make the minutes available to the Deputy on request.
