Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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253. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Fáilte Ireland grants scheme for large tourism projects is open for applications; the level of funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30588/17]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, 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, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.  While the Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism offerings, it does not have a role in the administration of Fáilte Ireland's tourism capital programmes, such as the Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects.

However, I am aware that the scheme is currently closed for applications but that Fáitle Ireland is planning to launch a second call for applications by the end of 2017.  This follows a very strong response to the first call for applications in June 2016, which drew a total of 115 applications.  A total of €65 million has been allocated to this scheme, which runs from 2016-2021.  The scheme will award grants of between €200,000 and €5 million.