Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2012
397 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is the lead Department with regard to the organisation of the Gathering project; and if so the amount of funding available for groups and to detail the qualifying criteria. [22760/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the Gathering Ireland 2013 initiative and has put in place a project team to manage the event. This project team has established a website with information on how people can play their part in next year's activities, with online support for potential event organisers to submit queries and download promotional material and toolkits. In addition, social media channels are already on stream to promote the event.
The event, a year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings, will be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland. The St. Patrick's day festivities in March were used for the overseas launch of "The Gathering Ireland 2013" while key international tourism industry partners were invited to become part of The Gathering Ireland 2013 at the recent Meitheal trade fair.
Tourism Ireland Limited will have specific responsibility for promoting "The Gathering Ireland 2013" in overseas markets. The main marketing of the event will take place in the second half of the year. The Irish tourism trade are also being briefed on progress on an ongoing basis.
In terms of resources, a specific additional €5m allocation has been provided to Fáilte Ireland this year and is being ring-fenced for preparations for "The Gathering Ireland 2013". This allocation will primarily be used for establishing the support structure and for marketing the event. The securing of additional resources for the event will also be targeted through engaging potential partners.
The Gathering Project Team will provide practical support and advice to all groups planning to organise events in 2013. It is not envisaged that direct funding will generally be provided except for major events and existing festivals. Rather this is an opportunity for individuals and communities to play a direct part in national recovery by encouraging additional overseas visitors who will in turn generate much needed revenues and employment throughout Ireland.
