Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the range of capital projects for which Fáilte Ireland has sought approval under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; when a decision on the projects will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24515/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Development Plan 2007-13, "Transforming Ireland", provides for a total Exchequer investment in tourism of €800m over the seven years, including a Tourism Product Development and Infrastructure sub-programme of €317m to upgrade and supplement Ireland's tourism attractions and activities, and to deliver a National Conference Centre in Dublin. The €137m fund (exclusive of the estimated financial provision for the National Conference Centre) will support three areas of investment namely the development of international class visitor attractions, the development of soft adventure and activity products and certain elements of tourism infrastructure which are not funded from other sources within the NDP.

To date emphasis has been placed by Fáilte Ireland on supporting local authorities and other key infrastructure providers to develop a range of facilities for tourists. Already, some 149 projects have been approved grant assistance of €13 million. While the intention is that the Infrastructure sub-programme will continue over the lifetime of the Plan, the focus of Fáilte Ireland is now moving to other elements of the Product Development Sub-Programme, including investment in visitor attractions and visitor activities. The Fáilte Ireland executive is currently undertaking a full appraisal, including financial evaluations, legal and other due diligence of all applications made to date under the Sub-Programme. Fáilte Ireland has put in place a special approvals board to take decisions on funding recommendations made by the executive. Such decisions are day to day matters for Fáilte Ireland under the terms of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003.