Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

John McGuinness

Question:

214 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the stage in each year the entry fees are set for each of the national monument sites; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that tourism promoters have appealed on several occasions to Dúchas to set the fee or charge in May each year to facilitate promotional material and brochures to be printed more accurately for the following year's season; the steps he will take to resolve this issue; if he will reply to a request made in writing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23047/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

It has been the practice to review entrance charges to certain national monuments and other properties managed by my Department every two years and in the latter part of the year preceding the new charging regime. Charges for 2003-04 will be published shortly in line with this approach. However, I accept the rationale for earlier notification of planned new changes. I have, therefore, instructed that in future price reviews should be completed by the mid-year preceding the year to which the charges will apply.