Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I welcome the publication of this technical Bill to increase the level of funding to be provided to the National Tourism Development Authority for capital expenditure projects. Increasing the funding cap to €150 million will enable the authority to develop and enhance our tourism product. I commend the Minister for bringing it forward.

Tourism is a key priority for the Government, demonstrated already by such measures as the reduction in VAT, halving employers' PRSI and the introduction of the tourism visa waiver. The €3 travel tax is still in a position to be suspended if the airlines reinstate cancelled routes and restore lost capacity. While it is still in place, much of the revenue generated is being used to support inbound tourism. Tourism is vital to our economy, not only through the jobs it provides but also as an opportunity to showcase the country on the international stage.

Tourism is a competitive market with our keenest competitors investing heavily in their tourism infrastructure. Fáilte Ireland has identified that Scotland spends up to €74 million annually in public funds while Norway, €43 million. Some countries are taking the approach to invest in innovative tourism products such as the Guggenheim in Spain and the Eden project in England.

I have visited the latter myself which is an example of how an exhausted chalk mine in Cornwall, no longer providing mining employment, became an exciting, sustainable visitor site, creating a new and welcome type of employment. The project is funded by various means, including significant public funding and philanthropy, and is now attracting tourists from all over the world to visit the park's biomes, attend concerts and art exhibitions and learn more about sustainability and low-impact living.

In County Offaly, we have a wonderful example of how a harvested bog can be transformed into something new and exciting. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, will have an opportunity soon to visit the Lough Boora parkland.

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