Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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18. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the tourist potential linked to the work of the Irish Seal Sanctuary, if he will facilitate this volunteer organisation with a suitable permanent premises in Balbriggan as part of the previously planned marine conservation project in conjunction with Fingal County Council. [54134/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism relates primarily to national policy. It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes nor the building of tourist attractions.  That is a matter for the State tourism agencies.  

In this regard, Fáilte Ireland administers the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in certain categories of visitor attraction, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure. Due to a high number of existing commitments, the Programme is currently closed for new applications. 

Any future application under a reopened Tourism Capital Investment Programme for a seal sanctuary or similar centre would be subject to assessment by Fáilte Ireland as to its tourism value and, in particular, its potential to attract significant numbers of overseas visitors.  It is may be worth asking the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, whose remit includes matters to do with biodiversity and the natural heritage.