Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, further to his reply to this Deputy (details supplied), the €4.36 million reallocated from the tourism sub-measure in 2005 has been replaced by Exchequer funding; if some or all of this funding has been allocated in the Border Midland Western region; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The overall level of funding available under Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Product Development Scheme is €49.165 million, of which €27.098 million is for allocation to projects in the BMW Region. This figure is comprised of €22.738 million of ERDF funding and, as outlined in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, €4.36 million of Exchequer funding, the latter replacing ERDF funding re-allocated from the Tourism Measure in the BMW Regional Operational Programme.

The operation of the Tourism Product Development Scheme is solely a matter for Fáilte Ireland. However, I am informed by the Authority that progress under the Scheme is now well advanced and that, to date, full grant approvals amounting to €22.7 million have been made in respect of 37 projects in the BMW region. I am also informed that a number of projects currently under evaluation are expected to take up the balance of the funding available.