Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
300. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if research has been carried out relating to visitor numbers and spending in locations where there has been displacement of tourism beds by refugees or other state supported accommodation recipients; if the findings will be provided; if she is concerned about any particular locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51817/23]
View answerThe tourism sector continues to play a significant role in supporting the State’s humanitarian effort in response to the unjust Russian war against Ukraine.
In June 2023, Fáilte Ireland carried out a detailed analysis of data provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) concerning the bed stock under contract to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection applicants and established that around 13 to 14% of all Fáilte Ireland registered tourism bed stock is currently under contract to the State. An additional quantum of non-registered tourism-type accommodation stock is also contracted. Fáilte Ireland is also in the process of conducting an analysis of more current data provided by DCEDIY concerning tourism accommodation under State contract.
The data identified that, in five counties, more than 20% of the registered stock is used for humanitarian purposes, peaking at 33% in County Clare. The analysis shows that, in certain counties, such as Offaly, Mayo, Leitrim, Meath and Clare, the scale of accommodation stock displacement is significant and is a factor in downstream economic impacts on core tourism businesses such as attractions and activity provider.
As the businesses impacted are varied and range from small and micro-sized enterprises to family run businesses there is no 'one-fits-all' solution to address the issues they are facing and this is why I have secured funding to implement a broad range of supports. As part of the Budget settlement that I have secured for tourism in 2024, up to €10 million has been identified for a programme of supports targeted at tourism activities and attractions experiencing particular trading challenges linked to the impact of tourism bed stock displacement.
This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.
I also asked Fáilte Ireland to engage with impacted businesses to examine the scope for a specific business support scheme that could help the most affected tourism activities and attractions and to report back to me on options and recommendations. Officials are engaging with Fáilte Ireland on options for such a scheme and further details will be announced in due course.
