Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Stanton for raising this matter. The short answer in regard to who should deal with this matter is reflective of the broader challenge we face in terms of how we market and develop a tourism proposition for the city and county of Cork. In February this year a group, consisting of representatives from the Cork county and city local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and various stakeholders in tourism, was formed to examine how a single tourist offering and brand for the county and city of Cork could be developed. I will write to the group on the specific point raised by the Deputy and ask that marine tourism form part of its work. That is the best way of addressing the issue raised by the Deputy.

I can confirm that work is under way in relation to the development of a new marketing framework for the south and east of the country, taking into account the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, how Dublin is marketed and how all the facilities in the Deputy's county and constituency, and the county and constituency of Deputy Regina Doherty, can be pulled together into a single framework through which we can market all that that part of our country has to offer. This framework will be ready for launch to the trade at the end of April. I believe this is the mechanism through which the facilities about which the Deputy spoke could be better marketed.

In regard to the Deputy's question regarding who is responsible for the development of new marine infrastructure for Youghal, I will communicate that information to the Deputy. I can say, however, that all costs in this regard are eventually borne by the taxpayer through either a State body or my Department. To justify the spending of such moneys, we need to have a business case to underpin it. For this reason, I believe the best way to address the issues raised is by way of the group established in February. This group is a response to the challenge of developing a good marketing strategy for Cork. It is the right way to go. On foot of this discussion, I will contact the group and ask that the marine tourism sector be integrated firmly into its work plan.

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