Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of applications her Department has received from County Galway to participate in the mid Shannon tax incentive scheme for tourism related projects since its introduction; the number of applications that have been approved, that are in progress or that have been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28587/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, 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 Tourism, Culture and Sport 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 two applications from County Galway have been submitted to the Board through Fáilte Ireland for consideration under the Scheme. One application has received first stage approval in principle while, for the other, further information is awaited from the applicant before the Board can proceed to consider approval.