Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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280. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid is available to newly founded or start-up travel companies, especially companies which aim to target non-traditional markets in a bid to attract additional tourists to Ireland. [36191/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy and it is not involved in the administration of tourism funding programmes. Fáilte Ireland provides a range of business supports to individual tourism businesses throughout the country, but they do not provide grants for business expansion.  To access these supports the company should contact Fáilte Ireland's dedicated customer support team.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for additional information and direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not hear within ten working days.

New businesses should also consider approaching their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) who are in a position to offer a range of grants including grants for feasibility studies and business expansion.  There is a network of 31 LEO offices across the country.