asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline the various schemes available to individuals or communities either from his Department or any other source for (a) the provision of accommodation and (b) the provision of recreational facilities to assist the development of tourism.
Written Answers. - Tourism Schemes.
137.
Following are details of schemes currently available for purposes outlined by the Deputy.
Investment in registered tourist accommodation qualifies for relief under the business expansion scheme (BES) and for generous capital allowances for taxation purposes. There are currently no grant schemes in operation for the provision of accommodation.
Bord Fáilte currently administer a scheme of assistance for the development of tourist amenities. Projects assisted from the £.5 million allocated for this scheme in 1989 included facilities for visiting anglers, equestrian enthusiasts and water and field sports specialists as well as a number of day visitor attractions in the historical and cultural area.
In addition, investment in the development of the following facilities for overseas tourists qualifies for business expansion scheme relief: boat/ cruiser/passenger boat/water craft hire; horse drawn caravan hire; equestrian centre services; sailing/yachting centre/marina services; sub-aqua centre services; heritage houses, castles and gardens: improvement and development of ancillary services for tourism; sea angling boat hire; game fisheries angling services; interpretive centre services; chauffeur-drive operations for tourism only; international conference centre services; resort companies wholly or mainly for the provision of approved services; outdoor pursuits/activity centre services; tourist guide agencies; and tour coach services.
The business expansion scheme and the Bord Fáilte amenity scheme have nationwide application. However, there is also a number of other tourism schemes which apply only to certain geographic areas. These include the agri-tourism scheme under the western package, which applies primarily to the western counties. It provides assistance for farmers developing tourism projects such as angling, equestrian activities, golf, walking routes and theme farms; the International Fund for Ireland, provides assistance for the development of leisure facilities linked to registered accommodation in the Border counties and County Sligo and for other tourist amenities and marketing initiatives which are geared towards increasing overseas tourists to the region; individuals and communities in the same region are also benefiting from over £.5 million allocated for tourism promotion from the ERDF Special Border Area Programme.
Finally, persons interested in seeking funding for tourism investment can also, of course, apply to (i) the Industrial Credit Corporation who provide loan assistance to the sector for certain capital developments, through moneys borrowed from the European Investment Bank; and (ii) the National Development Corporation who are prepared to consider taking equity in selected tourism products. Further information on all the above can be obtained from the investment unit, Bord Fáilte Éireann, Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin, the regional tourism organisations, or the relevant administering agencies.