Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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630. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation towards the development of tourism facilities along the Wild Atlantic Way route in County Sligo; the projects that have received this funding in the county; the status of funding not yet drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5834/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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While my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in their development or management.

The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly I have referred your question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply.

Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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631. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is funding available, this year, for communities to attract tourism from the Irish diaspora; if so, the amount which will be available; the way it will be allocated; and the criteria required by applicants. [5836/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Community Tourism Diaspora Initiative was launched in 2014 to support up to 700 local community based events and festivals with the capacity to deepen diaspora links and networks. The initiative will have funding of €1 million a year from 2014-2016, to enable local communities to harness diaspora links for the benefit of local tourism.  The initiative is a three-way partnership between Failte Ireland, the Local Authorities and IPB Insurance.  Each partner is contributing €333,000 per year towards community events with a strong Diaspora element.  It is expected that the Community events will take place from June to October in each of the years.

Local Authorities are implementing the initiative at county/city level through the directorates of Community and Enterprise development and are responsible for funds administration including grant applications and awards. Event organisers will be able to access the guidelines, criteria and application forms for 2015 via their Local Authority website in the coming weeks.