Vol. 552 No. 3
140 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will abolish the rule which imposes a charge of ?630 for signs which direct tourists to their accommodation, in view of the losses incurred in that sector in the past 12 months as a result of the foot and mouth disease crisis and the events of 11 September 2001. [12693/02]
142 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reasons for the large increase being demanded from the owners of bed and breakfast establishments for the provision of signposts to advertise their business; if an increased figure more in line with the rate of inflation will be charged in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12300/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 142 together.
Fees for the licensing of directional signs for tourist accommodation have been reviewed. I have now made regulations, which came into operation yesterday, amending the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, to provide for an annual licence fee of €50 for placing directional signs for tourist accommodation on a public road. The fee is the equivalent of the original fee of £10 introduced in 1977, adjusted for inflation.
