Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like my colleague, Senator Jim D'Arcy, I welcome the additional funding for the Ireland's Ancient East project announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring. There is a total of €1 million in a further phase of funding for capital projects. The funding is being provided through Fáilte Ireland's "new ideas in ancient spaces" capital grant scheme. It is for a further 13 projects within the Ireland's Ancient East initiative. It begins in the medieval town of Carlingford, my own home town, and extends through Meath and the midlands to Kilkenny, Waterford and finally Cobh in County Cork. The second phase of investment brings the total funding under the "new ideas in ancient spaces" initiative to a total of €2.26 million and comes ahead of a new signage scheme to brand the region, which is due to be rolled out early next year. A further phase of funding in capital support for the initiative is expected again next year. I welcome this initiative. It will indeed enhance the tourism potential of the east coast and will create more jobs.