Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Marine Tourism.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

48 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the implementation of recommendations within the Marine Institute report, particularly as it pertains to County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the need for investment in marine recreational infrastructure. [7832/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Following the publication of the Marine Institute report entitled, A framework for the development of tourism and leisure on the marine and inland waters of County Donegal, the Donegal County Development Board has recently taken the initiative to set up a marine leisure development forum. I understand that a co-ordinator for this forum has recently been employed and the co-ordinator, advised by the forum and operating under the auspices of the Donegal County Development Board, will work to implement the measures recommended in the Marine Institute report and to ensure that the sector is developed to its greatest possible potential in County Donegal.

The need for investment in marine recreational infrastructure has been addressed by the allocation of IR£20 million under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, to the marine leisure and tourism sector, of which IR£14 million is allocated to the Border, midlands and western area. My Department will have responsibility for administrating the marine tourism grants scheme which is one of five sub-measures in the tourism measure of the plan. The primary focus of the marine tourism measure will be marine access infrastructure. The marine tourism grants scheme is currently being prepared by my Department in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Bord Fáilte and is expected to be launched later this summer.