Written answers

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Tourism Promotion

9:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of formal applications which have been made and approved by Fáilte Ireland under the mid-Shannon tourism investment scheme; the amount of funding which has been drawn down to date under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25368/09]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin 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, to date, a total of nine applications have been submitted to Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development for consideration under the Scheme. These applications are currently being prepared for submission to the Mid-Shannon Board for evaluation. The Board has not yet approved any project under the Scheme.

The Finance Act 2009 made provision to extend the period during which such applications can be made from one year to two years so that the latest date for the submission of applications is now 31 May, 2010. The eligible period within which expenditure must be incurred for capital allowances purposes has also been extended to 31 May, 2013. These extensions of time are subject to the approval of the European Commission.

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