Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to promote cruises and marine coastal tourism here; the budget allocated for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20268/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Furthermore, my department is currently developing a new ports policy. While the public consultation document that was published in 2010 by my Department did not highlight this area of ports policy, given the merging of Transport and Tourism into the current department it would be appropriate to give detailed consideration to this matter in the context of the development of this policy document. In that regard I would welcome any view that the Deputy may wish to offer.

With regard to the individual plans of ports in this area, I am aware that the Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire Port draft master plans include provision for further development in this area. I understand Galway expect to lodge a planning application for development of facilities to accommodate cruise liners. However, for more details on these matters I have referred the Deputy's question to the state-owned port companies for further reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.