The cost of helicopter hire organised directly by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department for the past three years is set out below:
Year
|
€
|
2004
|
27,188.70
|
2005
|
21,072.15
|
2006
|
5,553.90
|
Helicopter hire connected with the recent development of the Diamond Hill Walkway in Connemara National Park was arranged by the contractor concerned and the cost of helicopters was a matter between the contractor and the helicopter sub-contractor. Similarly, certain survey work undertaken in both 2004 and 2005 for the mapping of Special Areas of Conservation involved the assistance of a helicopter, to be arranged by the contractor concerned within the overall price tendered for the contract.