Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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257. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital funding available for tourism development in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands; the range of tourism projects eligible for grant assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28576/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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With regard to Exchequer allocations for investment in tourism product development in the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands region, I can inform the Deputy that in 2018 an initial capital allocation of €1m has been allocated to allow Fáilte Ireland commence the initial development stage of the new brand experience.  Further Exchequer allocations for subsequent years will be decided in the context of the annual Estimates process between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

In regard to the tourism projects eligible for grant assistance, my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism, but it is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects and has no role in the administration of the agency's capital grant programmes.  These are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

I have referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland and asked them to provide any additional information directly to the Deputy.  Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.