Funding will be focussed on work to complete improvements at a number of existing attractions and the upgrading of infrastructure to boost cycling, walking and water-based activities and heritage sites.

Nearly €4m will be allocated through Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Capital Investment Programme to support four schemes: the Clare Coastal Walks; the Lough Key Marina; Slieve League and Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

Of the cash contributed by Fáilte Ireland, nearly €2m will go towards an environmental management project led by Donegal County Council at Slieve League to improve visitor experience and help protect the site.

Nearly €1.2m has been set aside to complete the development and fit-out of the terminal building at Foynes Flying Boat Museum to improve access, while also fitting out the control tower and add a maritime component.

Plans to create a 12.7km (7.9-mile) route between Doolin and Hags Head near Liscannor, County Clare, has secured €186,490, while efforts to provide new facilities at Lough Key Marina have received €525,000.

Hanafin said: "The tourism industry continues to face a very difficult international economic climate and the government, in partnership with the industry, is helping to meet this challenge through the provision of significant additional tourism capital funding in the coming years.

"Investment in high quality tourism infrastructure and visitor attractions is essential to ensure that visitors from both home and overseas have the best possible tourism experience."

The announcement comes after the Central Statistics Office revealed that inbound visitor number to Ireland continued to decline during May, with a 23.6 per cent drop compared with the same period in 2009.

Image: Slieve League, County Donegal - Tourism Ireland/Holger Leue 2005

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