Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 361: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to promote rural-tourism and agri-tourism in North Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24412/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tipperary LEADER has funded a wide range of projects in the area of Rural/Agri Tourism. These include walking route development; small festival development; the Golden Mile initiative; self catering accommodation; recreational park and amenity areas; village enhancement schemes; marketing and promotion; angling, sailing and yachting initiatives. They are also involved in a number of CLAR initiatives including community and village signage projects. The Rural Social Scheme supports these initiatives where appropriate.

I am also aware that one of the key actions of the North Tipperary County Development Board's Strategic Action Plan is the development of the tourism sector in the county. This plan was supported by Tipperary LEADER, North Tipperary County Enterprise Board, Shannon Development and North Tipperary County Council. North Tipperary Tourism Company was formed in 2004 on foot of a recommendation of the Action Plan. One of the key objectives of the company is to develop a framework for marketing and promoting North Tipperary as a tourism destination. A secondary objective is to input into the area of product development in conjunction with the relevant state agencies and the private sector.

As the Deputy is aware my Department is working in close co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Food on drafting the Rural Development Strategy for the period 2007-2013. Under the third objective or axis of the strategy dealing with the off-farm rural economy, which is primarily under the remit of my Department, the encouragement of rural tourism activities is an important priority. Following on from the imminent adoption of the overall National Strategy, a detailed National Rural Development Programme will be formulated and implemented from 2007. All stakeholders will be consulted on the potential content of the programme including the rural tourism measures.