I presume the Deputy is referring to Bord Fáilte's tourism product development scheme, which I launched at the end of January. As I have explained on a number of previous occasions, this is designed to develop the tourism product in a sustainable way, that widens the spatial spread of tourism, eases pressure on highly developed areas, and increases the lesser developed region's share of overseas tourism revenue.
The scheme will be funded under the operational programmes for the Border, midlands west and south and east regions over the next five years. It will provide support for the development of major attractions, the upgrading of clusters of existing attractions and facilities, the development of special interest pursuits and also projects that will promote the better management of the relationship between tourism and the environment. In all, under this EU co-funded scheme, €130 million of public sector funding has been earmarked to help lesser developed tourism areas maximise their potential, and stimulate new tourism growth areas.
The launch of the scheme incorporated a public call for proposals through advertisements in the national media. Application forms and full details are available from Bord Fáilte and the regional tourism authorities, or Shannon Development in its area, to whom completed forms must be returned, I emphasise, by 22 March 2002.
They will be appraised initially by the regional tourism authorities and then by Bord Fáilte before submission for decision to an independent product management board. As the launch was delayed because of difficult and protracted negotiations with the European Commission regarding State aids clearance, no grants have yet been approved under the scheme.