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

I must clarify that policy responsibility for the core issues at the heart of this matter, namely, the protection of architectural heritage, urban regeneration and planning legislation, rests with my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. Implementation of such policies on the ground falls, to a great degree, to local authorities, which in this instance is Dublin City Council. The local authorities have particular responsibilities and powers under the planning Acts regarding the safeguarding of protected structures, such as the Iveagh Market, and development proposals affecting such structures.

Our heritage and cultural offering, including our built heritage, is an important underpinning of the wider tourism offering, but any possible role for my Department or the tourism agencies regarding the Iveagh Market might only arise, once any legal issues have been resolved, at a later stage in the process, should a tourism-related development be proposed or advanced. This question from the Deputy concerns my responsibility in this regard in the context of tourism. In that case, in line with its tourism development functions, Fáilte Ireland could consider the proposal and any possible agency supports. My Department's role concerning tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy. Accordingly, the development and enhancement of our tourism product offering and related funding decisions are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland.

Commenting more generally on the role of heritage and culture as part of the overall tourism offering, Fáilte Ireland has advised that prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic more than 70% of overseas tourists to Ireland visited sites of historical or cultural interest. Accordingly, to develop more participative experiences that bring local culture and heritage to life, Fáilte Ireland has prioritised capital investment in projects that will deliver innovative and interactive experiences in which our visitors can immerse themselves.

With specific regard to Dublin and Fáilte Ireland's supports to enhance the city's heritage and cultural offering, examples include the Dublin surprising stories small grants scheme. This is offered in tandem with continued support by Fáilte Ireland for tourism issues in Dublin.

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