Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

While tourism numbers have increased year on year, the fact is that a fall-off has occurred in regional tourism and its capacity because of the reduction in footfall.

With regard to the promotion of the self-catering tourism sector, an investment of €14.15 million has been made through EU and State funding and through investment by the owner-occupiers of self-catering accommodation. However, Fáilte Ireland decided not to promote this end of the sector in 2008. This will have a detrimental impact on the development of tourism in regional areas.

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