Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of inquiries made under the mid-Shannon tourism investment scheme; the number of applications for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14879/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme, which was introduced in section 29 of the Finance Act 2007 and launched in June 2008, provides tax incentives for investment in tourism attractions and facilities in the designated Mid-Shannon Corridor. The approval and certification of projects under the Scheme is a matter for the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in consultation with the Minister for Finance.

The Mid-Shannon Board and the executive teams within Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development have extensively promoted the Scheme since its commencement date. Information seminars have been held with industry groups throughout the targeted region and local authorities have also been engaged to ensure their support for the Scheme and projects that might result from it.

I am advised that the executive teams have received a wide range of enquiries and expressions of interest from industry practitioners and are actively working with up to 15 promoters to bring projects to the application stage. To date there have been no formal applications to the Board.