Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
233. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address concerns in relation to the lack of facilities catering for camper van and mobile home related tourism (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28358/21]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy. The implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as other bodies. Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, Fáilte Ireland has specific power and functions in relation to the mandatory registration and grading of certain types of tourist accommodation, including caravan and camping parks, for which the relevant regulations relate mainly to the quality of the product and the level of service. In this regard, I am happy to report that there are many excellent caravan and camping parks throughout the country, which are quality-approved by Fáilte Ireland, provide a range of services for touring customers (including those in motorhomes, campervans or caravans) and are located close to a range of other amenities of potential interest.
Neither my Department nor Fáilte Ireland has any responsibility for any other types of facilities dedicated to the needs of touring motorhomes or campervans and providing the types of services mentioned by the Deputy. I believe any development of such facilities – for example aires or dedicated overnight parking spaces – would be a matter for the various local authorities.
