Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans he has to redress the east west imbalance in tourism development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45117/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises that tourism  is very important to all regions of Ireland. It generates total revenue of the order of €5.5 billion and employs an estimated 180,000, spread throughout the country.  The Government has taken measures to assist the tourism sector generally, including reductions in VAT and employers’ PRSI,  the National Internship Scheme and the short term visa waiver programme. 

The necessary structures and staffing to deliver "The Gathering Ireland 2013" initiative are also being put in place, which I expect will have a major impact in the Western regions.

Fáilte Ireland is supporting a range of tourism capital investment projects in the West including the Great Western Greenway in Co. Mayo, the Sliabh Liag cliffs project in Donegal, the Wetlands Eco Park in Tralee, Mizen Head Bridge and the re-development of King John's Castle in Limerick.  The Wild Atlantic Way, which is currently being developed, will provide a tourist route from Cork to Donegal.  Festivals and events in the western half of the country such as the Volvo Ocean race, Galway Arts Festival and the Rose of Tralee also benefit from funding.    The wide variety of business supports provided by Fáilte Ireland, such as training, sales and marketing, web enablement, and quality and standards are widely available to tourism enterprises in the regions.

Tourism Ireland works with the airports and airlines to enhance access and increase tourist numbers.  They will be launching their marketing plans for 2013 towards the end of the year and will detail how they plan to grow overseas tourism for Ireland, including the Western regions, next year and in the years ahead.