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

The importance of the tourism sector to the Irish economy and communities in every corner of Ireland is well understood. It is recognised that the use of tourist accommodation to support the Government's response to the humanitarian crisis has impacted the sector. In budget 2024, the Government allocated a total of €216 million in funding for the sector, which will allow for continued support for tourism development in Ireland for local and overseas visitors. Within this overall allocation, up to €10 million is available for a specific programme of supports targeted at tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in the regions most impacted by tourism bed displacement. This programme of supports developed and administered by Fáilte Ireland includes a business support scheme, investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.

The Deputy mentioned €10 million for downstream tourism businesses. That scheme is closed to applications and is currently being assessed by Fáilte Ireland. We expect an announcement shortly.

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