Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:144 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has for special assistance to develop tourism in areas of the country not traditionally associated with tourism.
Written Answers. - Tourism Development.
Certain parts of the country will always be more attractive than others as tourist destinations, primarily due to natural features. However, the important issue, is to exploit the real tourism potential that exists in all areas of the country. My policy is geared towards achieving this end.
Under the National Development Plan, 1994-99 the Government has had regard not only to potential for further tourism growth but also to the contribution that this growth can make to regional development within Ireland. Many of our major tourist attractions and most of our scenic routes are located in remote areas of great natural beauty with little prospects for industrial or farming development but which can enjoy the benefits of an expanded tourist industry. My Department is at present preparing a new operational programme for tourism 1994-99, which will ensure that each region will benefit significantly from the scale of investment being proposed. I am aware that other Departments are also preparing operational programmes in areas such as rural and local development which will impact positively on tourism potential in the regions. A second round of Community Initiatives are planned and further programmes like LEADER and INTERREG, which are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and Finance respectively, will also benefit regional tourism development.
The restructuring of the tourism organisations at regional and county level which I carried out last October will enhance the role of the perceived "weaker" tourism areas. New County Tourism Committees have been set up and will be involved in the "hands on" development of tourism at county-area level. They will primarily be responsible for stimulating and co-ordinating projects in the tourism sector by identifying, influencing and bringing forward new products and initiatives in their operational area; and formulating county tourism sector plans for incorporation into the County Enterprise Boards' action plans and the RTO's plans.
The recent budget contained a number of measures that will impact positively on tourism, including the allocation of £5 million for tourism promotion and development programmes.
To a large extent tourism is industry-led. My main responsibility is to ensure that the optimum support framework is in place in terms of its structures, the fiscal environment and grant aid. I will, of course, be receptive to any suggestions that might come forward through the Tourism Council or elsewhere on further measures to develop tourism in the weaker areas.