asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the continued acquisition by foreign interests of places of great scenic beauty or historic importance, he will consider taking the necessary steps in the public interest to acquire such properties in future for preservation as national parks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Historic Properties.
I do not regard as practicable the suggestion that all places of great scenic beauty or of historic importance should be made State property. Consideration is, however, being given to the desirability of seeking powers of preventing undesirable exploitation of such properties or interference with amenities contrary to the public interest, particularly in so far as the development of tourism might be adversely affected, and, in this connection Bord Fáilte Éireann has been asked to make certain investigations.