Robert Troy
Ceist:137. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated and the sources for the development of the midlands tourism brand. [3499/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 January 2018
Ceisteanna (137, 138, 139, 140)
Robert Troy
Ceist:138. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there is adequate provision of human resources for the roll-out the midlands tourism brand. [3500/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:139. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the roll-out of the midlands tourism brand will be finished. [3501/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the counties that will be included in the new midlands tourism brand. [3502/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 140, inclusive, together.
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the development, implementation or management of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. Similarly, I do not have a direct role in relation to the development, implementation or management of branding strategies.
I can inform the Deputy that an initial capital investment of €1m was secured in Budget 2018 to allow Fáilte Ireland to progress its preparatory work on creating a distinctive tourism brand for the Midlands during 2018. Additional current funding of approximately €1.9m has also been provided to Fáilte Ireland in 2018 for Brexit related activities and the development of the midlands brand. The breakdown of this funding is a matter for Fáilte Ireland.
The other matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I am referring the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.