asked the Minister for Lands the reason why charges of 20p and upwards are made on motorists and buses entering the State forest at Gougane Barra, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Forest Charges.
32.
(Cavan): Charges of 20p for cars and £1 for buses, which had previously been operative at some other forest park locations, were recently introduced at Gougane Barra Forest Park partially to offset costs of development and maintenance of amenities and recreational facilities at the park.
Will the Minister state what income his Department expect to earn from this charge in the coming year? Furthermore, in view of the local resentment at the fact that this beautiful national park should be desecrated by putting on a charge like that, will he consider advising his Department to discontinue it?
(Cavan): In reply to the Deputy's first supplementary question, I was not asked how much it would bring in and I regret that I have not got the information on the file. In reply to the Deputy's second supplementary question, I think that what has happened in Gougane Barra, that is, the imposition of a charge of 20p, has followed the pattern already prevailing in other similar parks throughout the country. However, I will have a look at it.
I am sure the Minister will agree that the revenue would not be very high. In view of that fact, perhaps he would reconsider the charge that is being imposed there. It has been availed of in recent years for Sunday afternoon family outings, and is an ideal place to take the children. The imposition of this charge has been a bit disappointing. Perhaps the Minister would investigate the matter.
(Cavan): As I already told the Deputy, I am not in a position to say what revenue it will bring in. I agree that it probably will not be very significant. There may be other reasons for imposing it, but I will look into the whole matter.