Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 49 together.

My role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy. My Department has no direct role in providing tourist amenities.

Under the EU Just Transition Fund, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) is the Managing Authority and Fáilte Ireland is an Intermediate Body. As an Intermediate Body, Fáilte Ireland has been tasked with the administration of €68 million for a Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme in the period 2023-2026.

The purpose of the EU Just Transition Fund is to assist the most affected territories in transitioning to a climate neutral economy. In Ireland, the Fund’s geographic territory includes Counties Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon and the Municipal Districts of Ballinasloe (County Galway), Athy, Clane-Maynooth, (County Kildare) and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (County Tipperary).

The tourism element includes allocations of €38 million under Regenerative Tourism business supports and €30 million for a Tourism Trails Network.

There are currently 6 active schemes under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. These are:

• Scheme A: Trail Development Network

• Scheme B: Investment Grant-Aid for Private and Community SMEs

• Scheme C: Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Strategic Partners (State Agencies)

• Scheme D: Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Strategic Partners (Local Authorities)

• Scheme E: Tourism Activators

• Scheme F: Learning Development Network

Projects being funded under all schemes as part of the EU JTF are subject to strict evaluation criteria. As the evaluation process is ongoing, Fáilte Ireland is unable to communicate about the details of any projects until the evaluation process has been completed. I understand however, that project announcements are expected to commence in the coming weeks and continue over the lifecycle of the funding scheme.

In relation to Scheme E: Tourism Activators, seven of the eight County Tourism Activators have now been appointed (1 per EU JTF county or part-county with a mix of full-time and part-time roles, including one full time appointment in Laois).

While not funded by the EU, Fáilte Ireland’s capital funding programme comprises, inter alia, a large grants scheme, individual small grants schemes, strategic partnerships with other public bodies, including local authorities, and direct investment in experience brand infrastructure. The overall objective is to optimise key assets for the benefit of tourism while also increasing the geographic spread of visitors. Last year the agency launched four new Regional Tourism Development Strategies for Ireland’s Ancient East, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin. These Strategies outline a five-year framework for the sustainable development of the regional brands, set a clear path for the development of new visitor experiences and provide a clear strategy for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more.

Any applications for funding under the Just Transition Funding scheme or future applications under Fáilte Ireland's capital assistance schemes will be fully considered on their own merits in line with the relevant assessment criteria.

More generally, my Department is progressing the development of a new national tourism policy framework for the period to 2030 that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. While I want to see the tourism sector grow, I want it to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets and ultimately ensures that Ireland will be a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices. As part of the new Policy Framework and subsequent Action Plan, full consideration will be given to issues regarding regenerative tourism and tourism product development.