My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
However, I am aware that Fáilte Ireland's Business Tourism Unit, operating under the brand name "Meet In Ireland", promotes Ireland as a leading conference and meeting destination. The team works collaboratively with key stakeholders to secure high profile business tourism events for Ireland.
My Department is currently developing a strategy for the future development of greenways following a public consultation process earlier in the year. The strategy will provide a long term vision and framework upon which Ireland's greenways can be planned in a strategic manner ensuring the best possible return for State investment. I am pleased to have secured additional funding for greenways in the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan, bringing the total amount available for the development of greenways in the period 2018 -2021 to almost €56m. I expect to be in a position to announce a new round of funding for the development of greenways in 2018, following completion of the greenways strategy.
Finally, cultural tourism is an intrinsic element of all the experience brands but it forms a major part of the appeal of Ireland's Ancient East, which seeks to build on the wealth of historical and cultural assets in the east and south of Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is continuing to promote Ireland's Ancient East in both domestic and international markets.
