Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right about the overseas flights, and about bringing more people in and increasing tourism. The anecdotal evidence I have received in the past couple of days is that the response to the new brand, and the marketing of the new region, is way above and beyond expectations and that is extremely encouraging. An initial €2 million has been allocated for 2018 to start the development stage of the new brand, with further funding and capital grants to follow. The first round of investment will help to develop visitor experiences and the development of infrastructure, tourism products, services and marketing. Next year and beyond, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands will benefit from investment planned under the national development plan, which allocates €300 million in Exchequer funding to tourism under the national strategic outcome No. 3, while €133 million is due to be allocated to Fáilte Ireland between 2018 and 2022 for investment capital. I do not think the Deputy will find it wanting in any way as regards funding.

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