Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 2001

Vol. 537 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Parks.

Tony Killeen

Question:

446 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the implications of her decision to declare the Burren National Park open to visitors; the plans she has to promote the park; if she will ensure that visitors are directed on to public rather than private property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16634/01]

Tony Killeen

Question:

447 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to provide a guide service for visitors to the Burren National Park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16635/01]

Tony Killeen

Question:

448 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the access points which are open to the public in the Burren National Park; if she intends to provide signage to direct visitors to these points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16636/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 to 448, inclusive, together.

To minimise the threat of foot and mouth disease throughout the country, I decided to close the six national parks, all nature reserves as well as the national monuments and historic properties under my control from 28 February last. My Department has since been engaged in ongoing consultation with the expert advisory group established by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Walsh, regarding the possible re-opening of sites on a phased basis. Following the advice of the expert group, I decided to re-open all national parks, including the Burren National Park, to visitors with effect from 11 May 2001. Visitors to the park are requested to behave responsibly to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease and to ensure that they clean and disinfect their footwear and keep dogs under control at all times. They should also avoid direct contact with susceptible animals.

As I informed the Deputy in reply to his Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 21 November 2001, I had instructed my officials at that time to open exploratory talks with Clare County Council to establish in general what options may exist in the whole north Clare area in regard to appropriate facilities for public access to the Burren National Park, and for control of that access, as a priority. These talks took place on 22 December 2000, following which I decided to appoint external professional consultants to examine all possible sites. The process of appointing these consultants is under way at present.

On receipt of the consultants' report, I will consider what measures are required in relation to visitor facilities, including access points, signage, promotion of the park and the provision of guide services.