Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pony and Trap Service.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

109 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a pony and trap service has operated in J.F. Kennedy Arboretum, County Wexford, for many years; if his attention has further been drawn to the favourable comments on the service and its added attractiveness to visitors; if his attention has further been drawn to a charge currently being imposed on the operator; if his attention has further been drawn to a substantial fall in visitor numbers; his views on whether losing the service due to this shortage will cause a further loss in visitor numbers and will put two local people out of work; if he will reconsider his demand for such a charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20607/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I am advised that since the pony and trap service started in the John F. Kennedy arboretum in 1983 it has been subject to an annual concession fee, the level of which has remained unchanged since 1991. It is considered that the present concession fee of £200 is very reasonable given the fact that the operator has two ponies with traps in operation and is provided with free grazing for the ponies and storage for the traps. I am disappointed to learn that the concession fee has not been paid for the past three seasons.

The pony and trap service is not an intrinsic part of the visitor experience and consequently it is not considered that visitor numbers to the arboretum would be adversely affected if the service were to finish. In fact, I am advised that there has been no significant decrease in the annual visitor numbers to the arboretum over the past four years. The Deputy may be aware that measures are being undertaken on an ongoing basis to enhance the visitor experience at the arboretum e.g., a children's play area has recently been provided and the access road and viewing point at Sliabha Coillte have been upgraded.