Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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166. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will allocate funding for a cycleway along the Grand Canal in County Offaly between Edenderry and Shannonbridge, as outlined in the application submitted to Fáilte Ireland under the Ireland's Ancient East initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32241/16]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The primary role of my Department in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy.  It is not directly involved in the funding or development of individual projects.  The assessment of any applications for funding made in respect of individual grant schemes, including funding for tourism capital, is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.

I launched Fáilte Ireland's new Capital Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects on 8th June 2016.  The scheme provides for investment to develop new, or boost existing, tourism experiences and attractions across Ireland.  The scheme will run from 2016-2020.  The first call for applications closed on 22nd August 2016.  Fáilte Ireland is currently assessing the applications received under this scheme.  Further details of the scheme may be found on the Fáilte Ireland website at the following link:

I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy with any further information about the process.  Please contact my private office if you do not hear from Fáilte within ten working days.