Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1009: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Fáilte Ireland has not provided any financial support to a company (details supplied) in County Cork noting the strategic role it plays in bringing thousand of visitors to the Munster region each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40932/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Neither the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (or any of its agencies, including Fáilte Ireland) has a function in, or finance available for, the subsidisation or provision of a ferry service for this, or any other route. The provision of such funding is subject to strict EU State Aid rules. Such services must run on a commercial basis. However, where possible, the State tourism agencies have been very supportive of the Fastnet Line to assist its viability through active promotion and marketing and the provision of business support services.

Early on both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland were involved in discussions with the promoters to support the service through promotion and marketing, as is the case with other air and sea access routes. Subsequently advertisements were placed on a co-operative marketing basis in UK national and regional newspapers to promote the service to British tourists.

Fáilte Ireland also worked with the Fastnet Line to offer them business support training, including web presence, marketing, finance, sales and practical culinary and hospitality/customer service supports, designed to not only ensure a quality passenger experience but to deliver cost savings, increased sales and revenue and ultimately improve viability.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland granted BES certification to the enterprise to assist them in raising finance and the line launched a drive to raise €1.5m in funding.

As the delivery of those services is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency and asked that Fáilte Ireland supply more detailed information of the support that has been provided. Please advise my private office if you do not receive the information within ten working days.