Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a tourism project (details supplied) will be given further consideration for funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21934/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCavan County Council submitted an excellent project for funding under Fáilte Ireland's Platforms for Growth investment programme. The proposed project consists of the development of a Shannon Pot discovery centre at the source of the River Shannon at Derrylahan, near Glangevlin. This is right in the heart of the UNESCO-recognised Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and in the Cavan Burren area. This project, when delivered, would be a key tourism attraction for the upper Shannon region. I am very anxious for this project to be advanced without delay as it will add considerably to the tourism product in the upper Shannon region.
Platforms for Growth is Fáilte Ireland’s strategic approach to large-scale capital investment in tourism product, which targets investment in line with specific platforms identified as a priority for tourists on the basis of research and insights. I understand the Deputy is asking about a project that remains under consideration following Fáilte Ireland’s first call for applications, which focused on heritage and cultural attractions and invited proposals for large-scale projects of €2.5 million upwards.
In terms of the likely timeframe for completing the current stage of assessments, I am informed that Fáilte Ireland is evaluating applications which made it through to stage 3 of the five-stage overall assessment process and that decisions are due by the end of May. At that point, projects that have successfully passed stage 3 will progress into the development phase. Accordingly, I expect that those involved with the project referenced by the Deputy are likely to be notified of Fáilte Ireland’s decision before June. In addition to funding provided under the platforms for growth approach to large grants schemes, it should be noted that Fáilte Ireland also provides further capital supports to tourism attractions and experiences across Ireland through other channels, including small grants schemes, strategic partnerships with other State bodies and some direct investments. Following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, Fáilte Ireland also ran an adaptation fund grants scheme aimed at assisting tourism businesses make physical adaptations to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19.
All capital investment in tourism is further supported by Fáilte Ireland's current investment in complementary programme supports, including festivals and events, business supports and training, aimed at enhancing, animating and promoting the regional tourism experience brands. The overall objective is to support sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector and drive higher revenue and job creation around Ireland.
I welcome the commitment that there will be decisions next month. Cavan County Council did excellent work in preparing this application. Councillor John Paul Feeley has strongly advocated for the development of such facilities and I am glad to have supported his work on this project. The overall cost of the project is €6.6 million, with the council providing €1.7 million of that cost. This discovery interpretative centre will promote history and culture and, notably, the importance of the River Shannon, the country's longest river at 360 km. Visitor displays, walking trails through the forest and a major viewing point will all dovetail very well with the amenities developed already as part of Cavan Burren Park. The tourism master plan for the Shannon from 2020 to 2030 identifies this particular region as needing tourism infrastructure investment. The source of the River Shannon, a river that is central to so much of our national tourism industry, needs this amenity. I sincerely hope the Minister will be able to speak to the officials in Fáilte Ireland who are assessing the application about its merits and the need for such investment in this part of the hidden heartlands of Ireland.
As I said, it is currently being assessed. To receive the funding, the successful applicant must pass all five stages of the overall assessment process, three steps in the application phase and two steps in the delivery and development phase. Stages 1 and 2 have been completed and Fáilte Ireland is currently evaluating the business case submitted under stage 3 of the five-stage process. I expect the decision to be notified before the end of June.
Fáilte Ireland has provided a wide range of supports to County Cavan. The county is served by two regional brands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands in the west of the county, where the Shannon rises and through which the Shannon river and the Shannon-Erne waterway flow, and Ireland's Ancient East in Cavan's historical east. Tourism has always played a significant part in Cavan's economy. It has a great selection of tourism assets, which I am familiar with having grown up in the nearby county of Monaghan, ranging from natural assets, including lakes, rivers, mountains and woodlands, to built heritage. Tourism development in Cavan is critical for regional development, which, in turn, has a positive effect on employment, quality of life and the attractiveness of the area for inward investment.
I welcome the Minister's comments. I fully agree with her in regard to the potential in both Cavan and Monaghan for further tourism development, increased economic activity and the creation of much-needed employment. The Shannon master plan is very welcome. Key to the successful implementation of this strategy is the development of new amenities and attractions. The boardwalk trail on the Fermanagh side of the Cuilcagh mountain is a fabulous attraction. To further realise the potential of the Cavan Burren Park area and the upper Shannon region, the discovery centre at the Shannon Pot is essential, both for domestic and international tourism. The Shannon Pot is unique. There is no other such location, so we must market and sell it in a very positive manner.
Today, the Minister and I welcomed the announcement of further funding for the restoration of the Ulster Canal, a welcome, all-Ireland, cross-Border project. Harkening back to the early 1990s, Fianna Fáil was in government at the time and developed the Shannon-Erne waterway through the restoration of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal. When we were initiating those projects we were told that it would not be possible to achieve them, but it was. They now play a critical part in the tourism product, not just locally but also nationally. I hope that during the Minister's term of office she will ensure that some of the areas that did not realise their potential in the past will have the opportunity to grow their tourism product and attract more visitors.
During my term of office, I will be seeking to achieve that realisation for the wonderful natural beauty there. Fáilte Ireland provides a range of supports to ensure Cavan benefits as much as possible from tourism across the county. It has identified the natural assets and distinctive experiences that Cavan could leverage. The eastern side of Cavan is particularly rich in heritage and cultural experience, including Castle Saunderson and the Cavan County Museum. The western part, due to its proximity to the Shannon, fits into the hidden heartlands. The destination and experience development plans and the destination resilient plans are three- to five-year local tourism development plans which identify priorities for sustainable tourism destinations. Of relevance to County Cavan, several such plans have been identified or are under way in the region.
