asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been directed to the recent discerning comment by Mrs. Elizabeth Nicholas, the distinguished authority, on the disastrous neglect of the scenic amenities of tourist attractions in the West of Ireland; and what steps he proposes to urge on the appropriate Departments of State to arrest this trend.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scenic Amenities in West of Ireland.
6.
I have seen the comment to which the question refers. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, the preservation of scenic amenities is primarily the responsibility of the various local planning authorities throughout the country. The administration of the Act is under the control of the Minister for Local Government to whom an appeal may be made by any person against a decision of a planning authority.
Bord Fáilte is one of the authorities designated under the Act for consultation by planning authorities in cases where amenity considerations arise and such consultation takes place regularly. I am aware that Bord Fáilte are very conscious of the need to ensure that the provision of tourist amenities should not interfere with the natural beauty of any area in the country.
The article referred to appeared in The Sunday Times on 15th January, 1967, and I assume the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that it was written by a lady who is a very good friend of this country. Does he not realise that the emergency she described is one which calls for a somewhat more dynamic approach by the Minister responsible for tourism than that indicated in the Parliamentary Secretary's reply?
I do not accept that. I think the Minister's approach to this matter, through Bord Fáilte, has been quite dynamic. I cannot recall the word the Deputy used in connection with this matter but the article was mainly a warning for the future, with special reference to some minor things that have happened in the past. Bord Fáilte are fully aware of that. We can, of course, accept the fact that we are in-debted to this lady for her comments in this respect.