Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tourism Development Companies.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Ceist:

103 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will give details of each specialised product development company established on a joint venture basis between the public and private sectors as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

As I indicated in reply to a similar question on 28 October last, Bord Fáilte has responsibility for Tourism marketing generally and the establishment of the product development companies is therefore a matter for the board.

During 1993, in response to the recommendations of the Government Task Force on Tourism and the Programme for Government, a number of Product Groups were formed following extensive consultation with the industry. This partnership of Bord Fáilte and the industry, which to date has focused on marketing, will achieve a much greater awareness of Ireland in our target markets, and will significantly penetrate new markets.

Eleven such groups are now in existence:

—Marketing English in Ireland (29 members)

—Rural Tourism — Irish Country Holidays (13 members)

—Gardens (39 members)

—Golf Partnership Ireland (25 members) also SWING (8 members)

—West Coast Golf (5 members)

—Walking (20 members)

—Sailing (20 members)

—Sub-Aqua (10 members)

—Equestrian Holidays Ireland (25 members)

—Horse Riding Ireland (4 members)

—Heritage Island (61 members)

—Outdoor pursuits (7 members)

—Irish University Accommodation Consortium (10 members)

Three further groups are in the process of formation for:

—Sea Angling

—Cruise Ports

—Theme Towns.

Bord Fáilte is working with these groups to establish short/medium marketing and promotional plans using European Regional Development Fund and the groups' own resources on a partnership basis.