Vol. 547 No. 3
192 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the programmes available for agri-tourism through his Department or agencies; if new support is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3582/02]
Under the Leader programmes, €30 million is allocated for rural-agri-tourism projects and initiatives for the period up to 2006. Grant aid will be available to farmers and other rural dwellers for the provision of on-farm leisure-recreational facilities, tourism accommodation and assistance towards the cost of marketing and promotion.
Projects eligible for aid include, inter alia, the development of angling, equestrian, visitor farms, cycling-walking routes and health farms as well as the upgrading and provision of visitor accommodation, including the restoration of farm buildings as self-catering accommodation. Resources will also be directed towards the cost of marketing and promotion, including the preparation of websites, advertising and attendance at tourism workshops.
In the delivery of an effective rural-agri-tourism programme in rural areas, my Department continues to work closely with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Bord Fáilte, the regional tourism authorities and Shannon Development to ensure that the limited resources are focused to increase the attractiveness of rural areas for visitors away from the main tourist centres. My Department will shortly establish a rural-agri-tourism strategy group which will include representatives of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, tourism interests, Leader and representatives of the social partners. The group's remit will embrace all aspects of rural-agri-tourism in seeking to increase income earning opportunities for families in rural areas by encouraging more visitors.
Teagasc continues to provide important support for rural-agri-tourism, through the provision of training and advice in the development of various tourism related projects. Since November, the Leader local action groups are open to receive project proposals.
