Vol. 509 No. 2
45 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if a scheme of grant assistance will be introduced in the context of the national development plan towards the provision or the refurbishment of guest houses and small family owned hotels in areas where additional accommodation is needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19979/99]
The Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999 included provision to assist on a selective basis investment in the provision and updating of accommodation in certain areas.
However, arising from a number of studies in the course of the Operational Programme 1994-1999, the conclusion was reached that the tourism market displayed a readiness to respond to visitor growth by providing additional tourist accommodation without grant assistance. Most tourist accommodation investment in recent years has been non-OP related, although it has benefited from support under a variety of other schemes, including fiscal incentives.
In the light of the development, and in view of the reduction in EU contributions to the next national development plan and the consequent need to have the most focused and effective use of resources, it is not envisaged that provision for grant assistance in the area of tourist accommodation will be a priority in the forthcoming plan which will cover the period 2000-06.
