Vol. 462 No. 5
214 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he supports the view that due to the growth and expansion of tourism in the Dublin region every effort and support should be given to all operators in the tourism industry; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that bed and breakfast registered developments in the Border region only qualify for development grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5007/96]
As the Deputy is aware the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999 is the primary vehicle for grant-aiding tourism projects. The programme focuses primarily on the development of top quality tourist attractions and amenities, training and overseas marketing to assist Irish tourism to generate increased visitor numbers and revenue. The strategy is based on the ability of the market to provide tourist accommodation, catering and other commercially driven facilities in response to increased tourist demand. Accordingly, provisions in the programme to further encourage investment in accommodation are quite limited and operate on a strictly selective basis. I believe that this is the appropriate approach as the significant increase in tourism revenue in recent years should continue to ensure that market demand will generate a sufficient supply of tourist accommodation without grant assistance.
