Vol. 476 No. 7
183 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will make a statement of the policy implications of permitting areas of the Phoenix Park, Dublin, to be fenced off for privately promoted concerns; the payments, if any, which will be made to the Exchequer arising out of such use of the park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8057/97]
Under the Phoenix Park Act, 1925 and bye-laws 1926, I, as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht may issue licences for specific use of portions of the park subject to conditions. The Phoenix Park Management Plan which was published in 1986, sets out the management policy in relation to, and the future management objectives for the park. The following four management objectives are identified in the plan: to conserve the historic landscape character of the park; to encourage appropriate recreational use and public appreciation; to conserve natural and other values within the park; and to develop a harmonious relationship between the park and the community.
The question of policy in relation to the use of the park for pay-in musical and other cultural events has been raised in relation to specific proposals for such use of the park, and I am currently examining the issues involved. While I am positively disposed to the idea of exploring the potential of the Phoenix Park for the holding of musical and other cultural events, including pay-in events, for public enjoyment, there are many serious and difficult issues which need to be addressed and fully considered before I will be in a position to make any decisions.
