217. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if funding is available through his Department or Fáilte Ireland for the development of feasibility studies for tourism projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66494/26]

My Department leads on tourism policy, while Fáilte Ireland, as the National Tourism Development Authority, delivers tourism development and investment supports.

Fáilte Ireland provides a range of funding and non-financial supports to tourism businesses and destinations, with individual funding schemes opening at different times and each having its own objectives, eligibility conditions and eligible expenditure. The availability of support for preliminary work, including a feasibility study, therefore depends on the terms of the particular scheme. There is no standing, generally open Fáilte Ireland scheme dedicated solely to funding feasibility studies.

Project promoters should consult Fáilte Ireland at an early stage to establish whether their proposal aligns with the relevant regional tourism development strategy and whether any current or forthcoming programme may provide suitable assistance. Fáilte Ireland also offers research, guidance, mentoring and other business-development supports that can help promoters assess and refine a project proposal. Details of open funding opportunities and related supports are published by Fáilte Ireland and updated as schemes become available.

Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) operating through all 31 local authorities, provide business advice, mentoring, management development, and signposting to relevant Government supports. In addition, the National Enterprise Hub provides a single access point to information on more than 250 Government business supports delivered by 32 Departments and State agencies.