Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports in place to encourage the development of agri-tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Development Programme for Ireland (2007 – 13) was approved by the European Commission on July 24th last. Key aims of the new Programme, which are of relevance to the agri-tourism sector, are:

Increasing economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy through encouraging on-farm diversification into non-agricultural activities; and

Encouraging rural tourism built on the sustainable development of Ireland's natural resources and cultural heritage.

Opportunities for funding for agri-tourism will therefore be available under the following measures:

Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families; (€16.6m) and

Encouragement of tourism activities (€45.4m). The Programme will be delivered at a local level through area-based groups.