Vol. 431 No. 4
6 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the steps, if any, which are being taken to ensure that the environment, and the tourist product itself, can sustain the increasing number of visitors to specific areas such as the Aran Islands, Connemara and the Ring of Kerry.
(Donegal South-West): Sustainable tourism development in terms of markets, investment and most importantly the environment, will be the primary focus of plans for the industry for the remainder of this decade. The environment remains the bedrock of Irish tourism and sustainable development requires that the product is developed in such a way that the environment is preserved and, ideally, enhanced.
In planning for the further development of tourism, priority will be given to developing new markets and products to improve the seasonal and geographic spread of tourism in Ireland. Bord Fáilte are creating a planning framework embracing tourism centres, rural tourism, special interest areas and touring routes. Investment in products for the off-peak and shoulder seasons will feature prominantly in the Government's submission for support in the next round of Structural Funds.
I get worried when I hear the word "enhanced" in relation to the environment. Today I am delighted and relieved by the decision of the Supreme Court in favour of the Burren Action Group. Does the Minister agree that there should be a threshold on the numbers using sensitive areas, as happened in America in Yellowstone Park? Does he realise that far from militating against tourism, in terms of numbers, it increases the interest when we put such a value on our natural resources which was shown in the Royal Hospital exhibition of the terracotta army from China, when long queues of people were prepared to wait because they valued the exhibition and were spurred on by the interest shown?
(Donegal South-West): This country is a long way short of having reached saturation point in regard to visitor numbers. I know Deputy Sargent referred to specific areas but I do not intend to mention them except to say there are areas which people should not visit. We should continue to entice as many visitors as possible. To better utilise our facilities we should look at the off peak and shoulder seasons which, in turn, would result in greater profitability and help the environment.
Far from asking people not to visit areas, will the Minister bear in mind that other areas regret not having put in place a policy in terms of options when we have to put some restraint on the numbers visiting? Far from naming specific places, which the Minister would be better qualified to do, will he indicate that, in time, there will be a threshold in regard to numbers in a concentrated area?
(Donegal South-West): It may be very difficult to establish a threshold but it is something the officials of the Department can examine. I look forward to the day when we will have that situation in Ireland. In relation to the environment, practical initiatives have been taken under the operational programme and more will be taken under the next round of Structural Funds. I assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to impress upon the Minister for the Environment the necessity to look at the environmental factors.
Question No. 7 please.
