Three Million Euro Pledged For Irish Tourism Projects

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Séamus Brennan, TD, announced that funding of more than €3m has been allocated to 44 tourism projects throughout Ireland.

This allocation of funding under Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Infrastructure Fund, is in addition to €6 million in grants announced at the end of July.

The €3.1m in grant approvals includes more than €1.5 million for environmental management projects, including €1.2 million for environmental management at lakeside locations; over €770,000 for angling facilities at key lake and riverside locations; €577,000 for various walking and cycling routes; over €193,000 towards a pilot beach management programme; and more than €56,000 for heritage projects.

The Tourism Infrastructure Fund targets facilities such as walking and cycling routes, jetties and moorings, angling stands, access paths to key areas of environmental and scenic interest, signposting and orientation facilities in heritage and historic towns.

Announcing the new funding, Minister Brennan said: "Ireland's dramatic countryside, great stretches of unspoilt coastline and engrossing heritage and culture are all key ingredients in positioning Ireland as a vibrant activity holiday destination for walking, cycling, angling and water-based pursuits.

"I am confident that these additional projects being supported will help local authorities and others to address tourism infrastructure deficits and enhance the overall attractiveness of our scenic areas.

"With up to €25m available under the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, I look forward to unveiling further grants and supports in the future."

Minister Brennan added: "Tourism last year attracted 7.4 million foreign visitors. It is an industry that is vitally important to the Irish economy, generating some €6 billion in revenue each year and employing some 250,000 people.

"As a country, we must strive to create and deliver a unique tourism experience that will make visitors, both from home and abroad, want to holiday in Ireland."