Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1041: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the plans for The Gathering, the plans for regional participation and role to be played by strategically significant tourist areas such as Connemara. [1254/12]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1058: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on The Gathering 2013 project. [1497/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1041 and 1058 together.

I presented proposals for "The Gathering 2013" at last October's 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum. The National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of The Gathering initiative and is also responsible for the development of tourism in the regions.

The event will be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland and will consist of a year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings in every region of the country. The aim is to bring an additional 325,000 overseas visitors to Ireland.

A Project Board has been established by Fáilte Ireland to oversee planning and delivery of the event, chaired by Ann Riordan, former Chair of Dublin Tourism, and supported by a small executive team drawn mainly from the tourism agencies. The Project Board will be supported by a "Council of Champions" which will act as a forum to engage the wider community at home and abroad to support the event.

I have referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for additional reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.