Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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31. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to invest in tourism infrastructure here with a particular emphasis on promoting historical and cultural tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37880/18]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development, whereas the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.  With regard to the tourism product, my Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism.

As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, almost €108 million has been allocated to Fáilte Ireland for capital investment between 2018 and 2021 and it is intended that this level of funding will, at a minimum, be maintained over the lifetime of the National Development Plan.

Priority areas for tourism capital investment through Fáilte Ireland's programmes include the development and enhancement of tourist attractions and activity-based tourism to provide the type and quality of experience that visitors are seeking.  This investment will support and grow tourism across Ireland, in line with the further development and promotion of the regional tourism brand experiences.    

With specific regard to promoting and leveraging the appeal of Ireland's culture, history and heritage, these are an intrinsic element of all the tourism experience brands but are particularly to the fore in Ireland's Ancient East, which has an especially rich and diverse range of cultural heritage experiences including passage tombs, monastic sites and medieval castles.

Overall, capital investment in Ireland's tourism product - including cultural and heritage experiences - aims to continue to motivate large numbers of international tourists to visit the country, with the ultimate goal being to deliver sustainable growth for Irish tourism, resulting in higher revenue and additional jobs.

I have asked Fáilte ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail in regard to investment in this sector.  Please contact my office if you do not hear within ten working days.