National Parks.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Ceisteanna (587)

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

587 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is denying the National Association of Regional Game Councils or its members to have shooting rights on State lands; his views on whether private landowners would agree to grant shooting rights, walking rights and so on; his further views on whether it would have serious repercussions for the tourism industry; if he is denying such rights, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9152/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I refer to my reply to Question No. 4 of 4 March. I set out the specific considerations underlying the prohibition of hunting on lands managed by my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service for nature conservation purposes.

These considerations would not necessarily apply to Coillte lands, or lands privately owned, on which hunting facilities remain extensively available.