The tourism industry will be given a funding boost when the budget estimates are released later this afternoon, the Taoiseach indicated today.
Addressing the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Bertie Ahern said that €140 million has been allocated to promote the tourism industry this year and added that the industry "will not be left short" in 2007.
Mr Ahern said he was pleased that Fáilte Ireland had placed the environment "at the heart of the tourism equation" and said that more energy-efficient designs could protect the environment and deliver savings for hotel operators.
Tourism remains important to the Irish economy, Mr Ahern said, and could deliver even in difficult times. Tourism also has a role to play in the development of an all-island economy, he added.
He said the Government had set a target of 10 million visitors a year by 2012 and that "if we keep our eye on the ball there is no reason why it cannot be achieved".