Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Returning to the question of where money is going for tourism, I can list that off. Some of the extra €35 million is being used by the tourist agencies. They are concentrating on Brexit. The effect of Brexit on tourism could be very damaging. We have already seen a drop in sterling. That will, initially anyway, discourage people from Britain coming over here. That €35 million, therefore, is being used in all sorts of different ways to counter the ill effects on tourism. Much of the money is also going on enterprise supports, festivals, events and business tourism. As the committee is aware, money is also going on greenways. That is a big ticket item this year. I think €13 million has been allocated to greenways.

Let me just give the figures for the tourism agencies. Some €7.9 million in the additional funding was allocated to the tourism agencies to ensure the tourism sector is Brexit-ready. Fáilte Ireland will implement a programme placing a focus on retaining business from Northern Ireland and Britain, while also offering supports to equip enterprises for the post-Brexit marketplace. Tourism Ireland will implement a review of its operations in the British market and also extend its regional access initiative. Additional funding is also being allocated to Tourism Ireland to implement strategies for growth in new and developing markets in the US and Germany. This will help to build and sustain growth in these markets in line with the Government's Global Ireland 2025 strategy.

We were definitely aware when it came to budget time that tourism needed protection and €35 million was a fairly large injection. Much of that has gone to the tourism agencies of course. I think they will use it well. The indications at the moment are that they are using it well already and the product is still immensely successful. We are optimistic, despite the obvious challenges to tourism. We have brands such as the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East, the new Lakelands brand and the Hidden Heartlands - which is very dear to Deputy Troy's heart. We think we will still manage to have a successful season, despite the difficulties presented by external forces.