Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 684: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy on eco-tourism projects which are using sustainable technology which would bring investment into the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1606/10]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As stated in my reply to PQ 46932/09 (277) on 15 December 2009, my Department is committed to supporting the balanced implementation of the broad sustainability agenda in tourism development, in line with Programme for Government commitments. With specific regard to eco-tourism and the use of sustainable technology, such commitments include, inter alia, seeking, with the Tourism Agencies and Local Authorities, suitable areas to develop and promote eco-tourism, as well as enhancing the existing Northwest Project, the Green Box, as well as the promotion of best practice in terms of environmental sustainability. Delivering on such commitments involves a combination of actions at a strategic, policy level by my Department, as well as operational actions by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.

At the sectorial policy level, the current tourism development strategy, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action 2003-2012, recognises the importance of good management practices in maintaining and enhancing the attractiveness of both the built and natural environments. The recently published Report of the Tourism Renewal Group further recognises the fact that tourism is particularly well-positioned for a green economy/sustainable development approach and acknowledges the importance of Ireland's environment to the visitor experience.

At the operational level, the promotion of good environmental practice within the tourism industry, including the use of sustainable technology, is a matter for Fáilte Ireland. Similarly, Fáilte Ireland also has responsibility for the development of tourist facilities and services, including specific product segments such as eco-tourism. I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that, following overseas market research undertaken during summer 2009, it is currently devising a strategy for the development of the natural heritage tourism product, part of which is focused specifically on eco-tourism. This follows the launch in March 2009 of an "Ecotourism Handbook", published by Fáilte Ireland in association with the Greenbox eco-tourism project, which is a practical guide designed to assist tourism businesses that want to develop as eco-tourism businesses in order to increase their overall sustainability and generate new business.

I am further advised by Fáilte Ireland that it has also been involved with groups in both the Burren and South Kerry regarding eco-tourism. The project with a group in the Burren, to help establish it as a destination for eco-tourism, involves training in environmental standards, certification and the development of a holistic tourism experience in the area that meets the needs of international customers, as highlighted in recent research.

Most recently, just before Christmas 2009, as part of the Collabor8 Interreg Project, Fáilte Ireland, in association with the South Kerry Development Partnership, initiated a project which will see the introduction of an eco-label for tourism micro-enterprises in the South Kerry area. I understand that 60 micro-enterprises have already signed up for the project and training for them will begin at the end of January 2010.

In addition to strategies and programmes under my own Department and Fáilte Ireland, I understand that there are further supports available to help Irish businesses (including those in the tourism sector) make more efficient and sustainable use of resources, thus benefitting the business itself, the local economy and the environment. Such supports include guidance available from and programmes administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for which my colleagues the Ministers for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are responsible, respectively. Furthermore, there is also a scheme of accelerated capital allowances for energy equipment, a tax incentive aimed at encouraging companies across all sectors to invest in energy saving technology (as approved and listed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), which was extended in Budget 2010 to include catering and hospitality equipment.