Tourism Development Policy Unit
Functions
The Tourism Development Policy Unit has responsibility for reviewing and facilitating the delivery mechanisms for State support for tourism as well as facilitating and reviewing the use of public funds for Human Resource (HR), enterprise and product development in the tourism sector.
Key responsibilities of the Unit include:
- Policy issues relating to Human Resources, training, education and enterprise development in the tourism sector;
- Policy on tourism product development, including initiatives such as the International Sports Tourism Initiative, the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative as well as corporate liaison with St. Patrick's Festival Company;
- Servicing requirements for the tourism product development and tourism training measures under the Renewed Programme for Government;
- Monitoring progress towards the completion of a state-of the art national conference centre, following the award of contract to Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd on 5 April 2007 to design, build and finance the National Conference Centre and to operate and maintain it for a period of 25 years.
- Policy issues relating to regional tourism structures - the Regional Tourism Development Boards - with a view to ensuring that tourism development activities carried out at sub-national level are in line with national objectives.
- Policy issues relating to standards and the quality of the tourism product, including the legislative framework for the registration and approval of visitor accommodation and administration of the Tourist Traffic Acts, 1939-2003
- Corporate liaison with Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development (on its tourism activities).
Services provided to the public
Dealings with the Public mainly relate to requests for information on potential funding for tourism projects.
However, neither the Minister nor the Department has direct responsibility for making decisions on the funding of tourism projects.
The administration of tourism-related grant programmes is the responsibility of the tourism agencies under the aegis of the Department and
other bodies. In early 2008, Fáilte Ireland invited applications for funding from suitably qualified projects under the Tourism Capital Investment
Programme (TCIP). Fáilte Ireland is at present engaged in the management of this Programme, and the distribution of funds to approved projects.
Further information on the TCIP is available on Fáilte Ireland's website at http:failteireland.ie/NDP
Latest News
Support for Investment in Tourism
It is important to develop, upgrade and enhance our tourism product in order to continuously attract visitors (in particular high value tourists) to Ireland. In Budget 2010, it was announced that €21 million will be invested in tourism related infrastructure in 2010 to promote Ireland as a high quality tourism destination and to maximise the economic contribution of the tourism sector.
This funding will be focussed on completing the upgrading of major tourist attractions, developing a small number of key iconic attractions, improving infrastructure for recreational cycling, walking and water based activities and heritage attractions.
Support for Tourism Enterprises
The funding which the Department provides to Fáilte Ireland includes monies for investment in the education and training of the tourism workforce, both domestic and international workers, as well as sustaining structured educational opportunities in the third level colleges and Institutes of Technology around the country. It also provide for the continuation of initiatives aimed at improving management capability and networking in SMEs and micro-enterprises at regional level.
In response to the changed economic circumstances, the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, has also expanded its range of practical business supports focusing on cost reduction, business efficiency, e-business and improving customer service. Fáilte Ireland is working directly with tourism businesses to offer essential and practical advice to assist businesses in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
For further information contact
Donal Reddington(Tourism Product Development) (+353 64) 6627382
or
Keith O'Donnell (Tourism Enterprise Development) (+353 64) 6627346
Fax the Division: (+353 64) 6627386
Email the Unit: Tourismdevelopment@dast.gov.ie
General information in respect of training and product development activities and programmes operated by Fáilte Ireland is set out in a range of publications available directly from them at www.failteireland.ie
Fáilte Ireland
Amiens Street
Dublin 1
Tel: (353 1) 8847700 or 1890 525 525
Fax: (353 1) 8556821