asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has received a proposal for a major holiday complex, with 150 holiday homes and leisure complex, for Enniscrone, County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of such a development to the revitalisation of this seaside resort which, despite its amenities, has in recent years suffered a decline in the traditional pattern of visitors; if such a development will qualify for EC Structural Funds; and if so, if it has been included in the submissions to Brussels or if it is being put forward by his Department for inclusion in future more detailed submissions.
Written Answers. - Enniscrone, Sligo, Tourism Development.
97.
This is one of a very large number of tourism related proposals seeking assistance under the EC Structural Funds. The operational programme for tourism submitted to the Commission last month sets out those elements of the tourist product in need of substantial investment and which, if developed, have the potential to increase tourist traffic to Ireland. However, no specific projects are identified in the programme.
Eligibility criteria, assessment and administrative arrangements are matters for agreement with the Commission who are currently examining the programme. As soon as these matters are clarified and the programme approved, evaluation of individual projects will proceed under the aegis of Bord Fáilte and SFADCo who, more than likely, will be the designated implementing agencies for the programme.