Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As I said, it is currently being assessed. To receive the funding, the successful applicant must pass all five stages of the overall assessment process, three steps in the application phase and two steps in the delivery and development phase. Stages 1 and 2 have been completed and Fáilte Ireland is currently evaluating the business case submitted under stage 3 of the five-stage process. I expect the decision to be notified before the end of June.

Fáilte Ireland has provided a wide range of supports to County Cavan. The county is served by two regional brands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands in the west of the county, where the Shannon rises and through which the Shannon river and the Shannon-Erne waterway flow, and Ireland's Ancient East in Cavan's historical east. Tourism has always played a significant part in Cavan's economy. It has a great selection of tourism assets, which I am familiar with having grown up in the nearby county of Monaghan, ranging from natural assets, including lakes, rivers, mountains and woodlands, to built heritage. Tourism development in Cavan is critical for regional development, which, in turn, has a positive effect on employment, quality of life and the attractiveness of the area for inward investment.

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