Dermot Ahern
Question:25 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on hotel development in historic city and town centres. [10258/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Development.
Mr. O'Sullivan
The development of hotels is a matter for private commercial interests subject to the normal planning procedures which are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment.
In general, a balance must be struck between tourism development and preservation of the environment. Ideally, the objective is to encourage investment which will facilitate enhancement of the physical environment and economic development while at the same time assisting the preservation of the historical and architectural heritage of cities and towns in a manner of interest to both the domestic and foreign visitor.