Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Parks.

Enda Kenny

Question:

76 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if, arising from his reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 67 and 68 of 19 November 1991, he will outline the extent and area of each of the five national parks in Ireland; if he will further outline the criteria which is laid down by the World Conservation Union and the United Nations for qualification for national park status; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

The following are the areas of the five national parks in Ireland.

	hectares
Killarney, County Kerry	10,129
Glenveagh, County Donegal	10,117
Connemara, County Galway	1,986
Wicklow Mountains	3,733
Burren, County Clare	1,364

The World Conservation Union defines a national park as "a relatively large, outstanding natural area managed by a nationally-recognised authority to protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for this and future generations, and to eliminate any exploitation or intensive occupation of the area and to provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational and tourism opportunities".

The main criteria for selection and management of a national park are: (i) a relatively large area containing samples of major natural regions, features or scenery, and where plant and animal species, geomorphological sites and habitats are of special spiritual, scientific, educational and recreational interest. (ii) It contains one or more ecosystems that are not materially altered by human exploitation and occupation. (iii) The highest competent authority has taken steps to prevent or eliminate, as soon as possible, exploitation or occupation in the area and to enforce effectively the respect of ecological geomorphological or aesthetic features which have led to its establishment. (iv) The ecosystems are managed so as to sustain tourism and educational activities on a controlled basis. (v) The area is managed in a natural or near natural state; visitors enter under special conditions for inspirational, educational, cultural and recreational purposes; sport hunting is not permitted but culling for management purposes is an accepted practice.