Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his 32-county strategy for a lighthouse tourism trail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19160/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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 or in support to specific tourism sectors, which are the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply.  It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes or in support to specific tourism sectors, which are the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply.  

I am advised that the Commissioners of Irish Lights are currently in discussion with the Special EU Programmes Body about a cross-border project to develop the tourism potential of lighthouses along the northern coast.  Fáilte Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and a number of other public bodies are supporting the Commissioners of Irish Lights in relation to the project, which will facilitate the visitor to explore the best of our land and sea scapes. 

I look forward to seeing this project progressed by the participating bodies at an early date.