Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012
111 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on progress made regarding The Gathering; his views on the best ways for local community groups to become involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32053/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra124 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans in place to involve the regions in The Gathering; the interaction there has been between local authorities, his Department and Fáilte Ireland to develop local initiatives for The Gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31948/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra130 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on The Gathering; and the way his Department intends to engage with local communities. [31978/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra132 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plan or arrangements he has put in place for The Gathering 2013 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32085/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra146 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding The Gathering project and the importance of the participation of the community and voluntary sector to the success of The Gathering. [31848/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra704 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available to organisations in County Kerry that wish to put on specific events for The Gathering; to whom applications should be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32005/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 124, 130, 132, 146 and 704 together.
The Gathering Ireland 2013 aims to be the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland, bringing in 325,000 extra visitors. Every community in Ireland is invited to get involved. Ultimately the Gathering's success will hinge on the participation of the public and in particular the mobilisation of local communities to create their own events and utilise their own overseas connections.
Gathering Community Meetings to mobilise these communities are currently underway and will be held throughout Ireland in the months ahead. Local Gathering organisations are being set up in every county, comprising sporting bodies, cultural organisations, local authorities, local development companies and representative bodies.
All are welcome to attend the community meetings which offer an opportunity for local people to learn more about ‘The Gathering' and how they can be involved. Anyone with ideas for a ‘Gathering' can pledge them on the night or after the meeting. They can also access tools and supports online to help them to organise their Gatherings. Meetings have already been held in Roscommon, Castlebar and Ennis and another is scheduled for tomorrow in Tralee. Details of other upcoming community meetings are available online at www.thegatheringireland.com. While direct financial supports are not envisaged,the website also provides online supports and ideas for those interested in setting up their own event as well as some examples of local Gathering events underway.
Community projects already underway throughout Ireland include clan gatherings; twin town trips; school and work reunions; genealogical projects; family reunions and outreach initiatives where local communities will contact people who have left the county and invite them back for a special celebration.
Support for the Gathering is also gaining momentum with a number of well-known Irish personalities pledging their support, including Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson, Maeve Binchy and Paul O'Connell. A large number of companies and organisations have already got involved, including Google and Facebook, while KPMG and PwC have confirmed they will hold their international alumni events in Ireland. I expect many more events to be put in place in the run-up to 2013.
