Vol. 529 No. 2
70 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the way in which the additional £12.5 million, announced in the budget for tourism marketing, will be spent; the level of funding that will be made available to Shannon Development from this allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1166/01]
Of the £12.5 million announced in the budget for additional tourism marketing expenditure by Bord Fáilte: £2.5 million will be used by the board to attract major sporting events with tourism potential for Ireland; £5 million to enhance the general tourism marketing effort, including addressing emerging challenges in the British market, furthering wider regional spread, and supporting smaller tourism enterprises; and the final £5 million to extend existing niche product or special interest marketing for 2001 in such areas as golf, cruising, walking and angling tourism.
I understand that Bord Fáilte is currently finalising its proposals for the allocation of the additional expenditure to specific initiatives and campaigns in line with the budget decision. The Shannon region, in common with other regions of the country, will benefit from the increased emphasis and funding targeted at improving regional distribution.
