Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funds that have been made available for tourism capital projects over the coming years; if he will provide details of funds that have been committed from such capital funds for projects in the south west region in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1354/12]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views in relation to capital funding becoming available to enhance and create major tourist attractions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1340/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 67 together.

Under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Medium Term Exchequer Framework, the projected level of support for capital investment in tourism is €81 million for the period 2012 to 2016.

For 2012, there is an allocation of €21.2 million to Failte Ireland to support investment in tourism product development, in recognition of the contribution that capital investment in tourism can make to increasing visitor numbers and to supporting the economic recovery. It is important to develop, upgrade and enhance our tourism product offering in order to continue to attract visitors to Ireland. I should point out that there is a high level of existing funding commitments to be met under the Programme, particularly over the next couple of years.

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy.It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes, which are operated by Fáilte Ireland who administer the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in certain categories of visitor attraction, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure.

Projects funded or approved under the Programme are spread throughout the country, including Waterford Viking Triangle, Trinity College Book of Kells, Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Donegal, King John's Castle in Limerick and the Mayo Greenway. Projects funded or approved in the South West include Derrynane House, Killarney House, Garnish Island, Mizen Head Footbridge, Tralee Eco Park and Fota House.

In relation to the specific details of projects funded by Fáilte Ireland in the South West 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.