Michael Ring, the Irish minister of state for tourism and sport, has revealed that the tourism and sports sectors will continue to receive government support in forthcoming years.

Ring said the tourism industry would continue to receive capital investment in order to keep Ireland competitive, while two further rounds of sports capital funding were also announced.

"We will concentrate resources on existing attractions, along with the development of key new attractions such as a diaspora centre or museum at national level," said Ring.

"We also recognise the importance of sport in our society, and the benefits it brings. So it's a particular pleasure to announce two new rounds of sports capital funding."