Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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261. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that three local authorities (details supplied) are facilitating only 50% of the outdoor dining grant scheme to businesses that apply; if her Department provided the funding for the 2020 outdoor dining schemes run by these three local authorities; the reason businesses are being excluded from availing of the Fáilte Ireland scheme when they are entirely separate and unrelated funding schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23138/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department's tourism services budget is voted for use through the tourism agencies. In response to the Deputy's query about 2020 funding, I can confirm that no monies voted to my Department for Fáilte Ireland investment in tourism product development were allocated to fund those outdoor seating grants schemes run last year by certain local authorities.

This year, however, Fáilte Ireland is running the new Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme in partnership with the local authorities. As is the case for all Fáilte Ireland grants schemes, the design and administration of this scheme are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I referred this question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.