Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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322. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a provision (details supplied) will exclude counties Westmeath, Offaly, Cavan, Longford, and Tipperary; if this tender relates to the commitment in the programme for Government that a new lakelands brand will be established; and when the works will be completed. [34387/16]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy.  It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, such as the Lakelands, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.

The Programme for Partnership Government commits to the development of the "Ireland's Lakelands" brand. In keeping with that commitment Fáilte Ireland is undertaking a Destination Development and Feasibility Study to ascertain the potential for growth and the best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, including counties that border the Shannon. The boundaries of the aforementioned initiatives will remain in place. The Fáilte Ireland Study will include areas of those counties that border the Shannon Waterway on both sides. Accordingly, depending on the recommendations of the Study, those areas along the Shannon may end up benefitting from the work of more than one brand.

A detailed project plan and timeline is being developed and it is anticipated that recommendations will be made towards the end of Quarter 1, 2017.