Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:202 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views in relation to recommendation 1.3.10 of the Donegal task force initiative report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/99]
Written Answers. - Task Force Report.
Recommendation 1.3.10 of the Donegal task force initiative report sets out investment priorities, policies and strategies for the achievement of increased growth rates in overseas and domestic visitor numbers and tourism revenue in Donegal between 2000 and 2006.
I can assure the Deputy that Donegal tourism is currently being promoted as never before. This includes Donegal's participation in the north-west RTA marketing programme, which is part of a new Bord Fáilte initiative to promote improved regional tourism spread. The introduction and promotion of the new Ryanair service from London to Derry offers exciting opportunities for improved access to Donegal and I have also requested Bord Fáilte and North West Tourism to work with Donegal Tourism and ensure that the most powerful message possible is promoted about Donegal in all relevant markets.
The promotion of balanced regional development is a key objective of national tourism policy. The Border region has received tourism support of the order of £130 million over the past five years from a range of programmes including the tourism OP, 1994-1999, the special support programme for peace and reconciliation and the International Fund for Ireland. The upcoming National Development Plan which will run up to 2006 will again make provision for support for the development of tourism. Future tourism development strategy will be based on the needs of areas with regard to their state of development. The key national objective for tourism product development will be to provide an appropriate product base capable of supporting sustainable tourism development through enhancing or building up an interesting mix of tourism prod ucts, especially in developing and still underdeveloped tourist areas such as Donegal.
It is my hope that County Donegal, in conjunction with other lesser-developed tourism areas, will continue to bring forward imaginative and integrated proposals to attract and sustain increased tourism business to the area. In this, the county can depend on the assistance of the North West Regional Tourism Association and Bord Fáilte.