Irish minister outlines tourism/sport plans

Leo Varadkar, Ireland's minister for transport, tourism and sport, has outlined a new Action Plan for how the department will continue to promote job creation over the coming year.

Under the proposals, tourism agency Fáilte Ireland will allocate capital funding for schemes to create new and improve existing tourism attractions from a EUR21m (£17.8m) fund.

Fáilte Ireland has operated its Tourism Capital Investment Programme for a number of years and has contributed to projects such as the Tralee Eco Park, Kerry, and Westport Greenway, Mayo.

A spokesperson for the tourism agency said it will continue to work with projects as they near completion, while also seeking out new projects to partner with over the coming year.

A new round of the Sports Capital Programme will be delivered, while a EUR40m (£33.9m) marketing fund will work to promote tourism in the core markets such as the UK and US.

Meanwhile, Varadkar has published a progress report covering the last 12 months, with two rounds of sports capital funding and a cut in VAT for tourism firms among actions taken.

The last year has also seen Fáilte Ireland expand its focus into new markets such as Brazil and China, while investing in attractions such as Malahide Castle and the Book of Kells.

Details: www.transport.ie (Action Plan)

Details: www.transport.ie (Progress Report)

Image: Westport Greenway, one of the attractions funded by Fáilte Ireland