Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2012
8. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the preparations for the gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45190/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra26. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering 2013 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44955/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the need to make provision for an additional funding allocation to support and enable persons and organisations to market and run events for the Gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45097/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the need to make provision for an additional funding allocation to support and enable persons and organisations to market and run events for the Gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45089/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in the Gathering 2013; the measures being taken to provide additional transatlantic capacity into Shannon Airport in order that the west of Ireland can capitalise on this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44953/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 26, 27, 76 and 79 together.
These questions relate to The Gathering 2013 project, the resources for same and the role for Shannon Airport in such. With regard to general progress on The Gathering, I refer Deputies to my earlier answer to Question No. 4 on this matter.
In terms of resources, this year my Department has allocated a budget of €5 million for the initiative. It is planned to provide a small amount of additional funding for Gathering events at county and local level in the near future. Details of this are being worked out at present and will be announced shortly.
With regard to additional capacity into Shannon Airport, it is a matter for all airlines and the airports themselves to maximise the opportunities presented by The Gathering. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement by United Airlines of a new service linking Shannon and Chicago for next summer which will operate five days a week and provides a very welcome boost for tourism to the west.
My component of that has already been answered.
