asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state the amount of money to be expended by Bord Fáilte under the Tramore development plan in the year 1970-71; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Tourist Development.
20.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state the amounts expended by Bord Fáilte in (a) Waterford city and (b) Waterford country in the financial year 1969-70; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
22.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if Bord Fáilte has any plans for the development of Ardmore, County Waterford, as a seaside resort, especially for tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
23.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what campaign Bord Fáilte intends to undertake to promote seaside resorts in County Waterford as places of interest to holiday makers and tourists.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21, 22 and 23 together.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that in the year ended 31st March, 1970, accommodation grants totalling £21,212 were paid by the board in Waterford City and £35,045 in County Waterford. Grants paid for resort projects in the county totalled £70,333 in the same period while no such grants were paid in respect of the city.
Resort projects fall into two categories, i.e. major and minor resort development works. Separate funds are provided annually for major resort development while financial assistance for minor resorts comes out of the board's general grant-in-aid for administration, development, marketing, etc. Tramore is one of the 17 major resorts and resort areas designated by Bord Fáilte for development under the major resort development scheme and the board have indicated that they have set aside approximately £35,000 in the current year to assist works to be carried out at Tramore by Tramore Fáilte Ltd. and Waterford County Council. Ardmore comes into the category of minor resorts and the board have at present no plans for the development of this resort.
In relation to the promotion of seaside resorts in County Waterford, I am informed by Bord Fáilte that they will continue to include them in their continuous planned campaign of general promotion featuring Ireland's tourist attractions and amenities in suitable markets and that the South Eastern Regional Tourism Organisation will press ahead with their campaign to secure a greater share of the home-holiday market for Waterford and the other four counties under their aegis.
Could the Minister indicate when a plan will be made for Ardmore, County Waterford, in view of the fact that the Minister himself, when down there about a year ago, told them they had a great future?
I shall inquire into the position about Ardmore but at the present time there is no particular plan in regard to Ardmore and, certainly, I never at any stage made such a statement in regard to Ardmore. The Deputy is under a misapprehension.