Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
520 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support grants that are available to a person setting up a company that will run tours of historic areas in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13042/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra521 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the grants and supports available for start-up companies in the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13043/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 521 together.
Under section 8 of the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003 it is a function of Fáilte Ireland to support the development of tourism enterprises in the State. I have no statutory function in relation to the administration of supports or the award of grants or assistance to tourism enterprises.
Details of the grants and supports available to new and established tourism businesses are easily accessible on Fáilte Ireland's website at www.failteireland.ie. Those supports include:
Capital grants for physical tourism attractions;
Various non-capital grants to assist individual businesses and trade groups with the marketing of their products;
The Mid-Shannon Corridor Scheme;
Grants towards the funding of Festivals and Cultural Events; and
The Business Expansion and Seed Capital Scheme.
Aside from these grant programmes, Fáilte Ireland provides a range of other supports to tourism businesses. These include:
A range of interactive tools on topics relevant to businesses;
An e-business support initiative;
Business Mentoring;
Employment Law Compliance;
Business promotion through a variety of promotional events; and
Resources and guides related to the area of marketing and publicity.
Beyond the direct funding allocation to tourism, there are also additional funds and programmes available from other agencies and Departments, all of which can have a role in the development of tourism businesses.
Qualification for all or any of these grants and supports will depend on the individual characteristics of each business. In that regard, every Fáilte Ireland regional office has a Business Development Officer whose role is to guide and provide assistance to entrepreneurs in accessing all programmes that are relevant to their business. The Business Development Officer supports enterprises to help ensure that each individual business is fit for purpose and best equipped to meet the challenges in today's environment.
