Vol. 397 No. 9
363 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the meaning of the statement (details supplied) which states "demonstrate that the project is in harmony with the local environment", given that up to now tourist shooting promoters have shown a total disregard to local gun clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy's question relates to a requirement in the tourism operational programme that applicants seeking European Structural Fund aid demonstrate that projects are, inter alia, in harmony with the local environment.
Applications relating to facilities for visiting sportsmen will have to satisfy the administering agencies, Bord Fáilte or SFADCo, that facilities planned are environmentally sensitive and that arrangements are in place to ensure that all relevant protection measures are complied with. In the case of hunters, this includes all controls imposed by the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works, which is the body charged with responsibility for wildlife protection.
