Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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550. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if smaller towns and villages are eligible for funding under the recently announced destination towns funding stream; and the criteria for applications through the scheme. [25058/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I believe the Deputy is referring to Fáilte Ireland's Destination Towns initiative – a capital investment scheme for Local Authorities to enhance public spaces in developed and emerging tourism destinations in a way that will engage tourists and enhance their experience.

In this regard, it is my understanding that the scheme has no stipulations regarding the size of towns or villages that may be proposed under the scheme; rather it is a matter for each Local Authority to propose one or two towns or villages that it deems to have the best potential to become a "destination town", or hub, for tourists.

I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy with further detail on the scheme and the criteria applying. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.