§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (WA 6), what part-funding the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has provided to groups for events and projects which could benefit tourism on the north coast of County Antrim. [HL3910]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe answer given to the noble Lord on 7 July (WA 6) was incomplete. Please find below the original full answer and additional information as requested. I apologise for the error.
Financial assistance is available from several government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies for the sustainable development of tourism throughout Northern Ireland including the north coast area of County Antrim. Accommodation development, amenity and visitor attractions, marketing programmes and events are among the areas which could be eligible for support under a variety of grant schemes.
One specific initiative which applies to the North Antrim coast area is the Natural Resource and Rural Tourism Initiative (NRRTI). Jointly developed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of the Environment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the initiative is aimed at developing tourism in selected rural areas throughout Northern Ireland. Some £3.3m of the NRRTI funding has been made available during the period 2002–06 to promote and assist the development of sustainable projects which will increase the tourism potential in the Glens and north coast area of County Antrim.
In order to build on achievements to date, a masterplan for the area will be developed as part of the recently announced ministerial initiative for the Giant's Causeway. The development of tourism beyond the Causeway itself will have a number of benefits including easing pressure on the site, assisting in encouraging visitors to stay longer in the locality and thus increasing spending.
In addition, grant aid has been awarded to the following organisations under DCAL's Water-Based Tourism Measure funded under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II):
5WA
£ Glenmore Fishery, Ballycastle 4,825 North Coast Angling, Portrush 49,300 Predator Boat Charters, Cushendall 26,100 In response to your most recent question the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has part-funded the following events/organisations which may benefit tourism on the north coast of County Antrim.
This is broken down as follows:
Project/Event Amount (£) NI Milk Cup 360,000 North West 200 120,000 NI North Coast Air Spectacular 17,500 Glenmore Fishery, Ballycastle 4,825 North Coast Angling, Portrush 49,300 Predator Boat Charters, Cushendall 26,100