Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a recent Euorbarometre poll over 63% of respondents listed sea as a main attraction; in view of this, the efforts he has taken to promote growth in visitor numbers to coastal communities and towns around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45125/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland, published by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in July of this year, presents a roadmap for the Government’s vision to tap into the economic potential of our seas, including marine tourism.  Land and seascapes combined with coastal communities and their associated culture and heritage have the potential to deliver a unique tourism experience.  Fáilte Ireland has been proactively working with coastal destinations all around the country to help them identify how they can become recognised as attractive tourism locations. Supports have been given to help build and develop experiences that will attract visitors and grow and develop businesses and the local economy.

For further information, as the matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply from the agency within ten working days.