Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Lakelands tourism brand, as promised in the programme for Government; the reason there is a delay in the development of the strategy; if he will provide a commitment that counties Longford and Westmeath will be covered in view of the fact there is no coherent strategy in place which covers the area at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14011/17]

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.  This is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.  While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism offerings, it is not involved in the administration of those programmes.

That said, I can advise the Deputy that in keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government to the development of the "Ireland's Lakelands" brand , Fáilte Ireland is undertaking a Destination Development and Feasibility Study focussing on those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, including counties that border the Shannon.  Fáilte Ireland expects to have a final set of recommendations from the study in the coming months.

Given that the study is being undertaken by Fáilte Ireland I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy.  Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.