Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there is no strategy to promote the midlands and Shannon region as a tourism brand; when the lake lands initiative brand will be operational; if he will address concerns that Fáilte Ireland is not in favour of promoting this regional brand identity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22124/17]

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

I am aware that, in regard to the River Shannon and Midlands region, in the final quarter of 2016 and in line with the Programme for Government's commitment to develop the 'Ireland's Lakelands' brand, Fáilte Ireland commissioned a consortium of Colliers, Red C and DKM to conduct a Destination and Feasibility Study to ascertain the potential growth and best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.  The consortium assessed the region and met with industry and stakeholders.  Fáilte Ireland will consider the study from the consultants before deciding how best to facilitate tourism growth in the midlands and Shannon region.