Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Jan 1997

Vol. 474 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tourist Statistics.

Micheál Martin

Question:

46 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the action, if any, he intends taking to ensure that the growth in tourist numbers during certain peak times of the year does not threaten the quality of the product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/97]

Tony Killeen

Question:

95 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he anticipates any environmental protection problems in the event that the projected eight million tourists per annum visit Ireland by the year 2010; and the plans, if any, which are being prepared to address the issue. [2691/97]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 95 together.

The Government's policy on tourism development takes full account of the value of the image of Ireland's clean, green environment and the consequent need to protect it. The ambitious growth targets set for the tourism sector relate to growth in overseas revenue and job creation and emphasise the need to develop a sustainable industry concentrating on a quality product rather than quantity. The strategy of increasing tourism revenue yield is an integral element of the "Tourism Brand Ireland" campaign launched late last year.

The Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999, acknowledges that a balance must be struck between tourism development and preservation of the environment. Measures to achieve this objective as set out in the programme, include the following: improving the seasonality profile of Irish tourism. The aim is that by 1999, 75 per cent of visitors will arrive in Ireland outside the peak July/August period compared with about 70 per cent at present; attracting high yield business. Priority is given to marketing conference and incentive business and other quality niche and activity markets such as cruising, golf, equestrian, shoppers and users of paid services such as accommodation and car hire; where possible enhancing existing investment rather than creating new developments; a wide geographical dispersal to minimise capacity problems; capital projects recommended for assistance under the programme are required to comply with all environmental regulatory requirements as a condition for grant approval and support for overseas marketing under the programme is weighted towards projects that aim to extend the season; and progress on the consistency between tourism developments and the principle of sustainability will continue to be monitored as part of the programme.

Statutory responsibility for environmental protection and the management of environmental problems generally rests with the Minister for the Environment while the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht has certain statutory responsibilities in relation to the protection of heritage areas. I understand that the heritage services — National Parks and Wildlife Service and National Monuments and Historic Properties Services — of the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht operate an ongoing review of the impact of visitors on heritage sites in order that suitable control and management procedures are exercised and applied as necessary. Similarly, the National Monuments and Historic Properties Service aims to keep visiting levels at each heritage property to the optimum number of visitors consistent with site protection and presentation and to manage such properties accordingly.

I fully acknowledge the need for the ongoing monitoring and management of the impact of tourism on the environment, particularly during the peak tourism season. Such problems are already being addressed in the context of the strategies and monitoring arrangements that I have already outlined. I am satisfied that the issue is afforded a high priority by the relevant agencies and there are no further plans by my Department at this time to introduce any additional measures in this regard.