Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
595. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason only a two-week permit was issued to a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36135/23]
View answerAll operators of commercial activities in the National Park, such as cycling tours, boating and kayak trips, pony trekking and jaunting car trips must possess permits issued locally by the Park management team.
It is my understanding that there was never a two-week permit awarded to any operator in the area raised in this query.
Over the last few years, counters have been placed across routes in the National Park mentioned. One popular cycling route recorded an average of 60,000 cyclists in 2022. The 3 busiest periods for visitors to the area are the months of June, July and August. These months account for almost half of the 60,000 visitors. In addition, on average, we would have a further 60,000 pedestrians utilising the same route.
Allowing a single operator free access to any of our National Parks without restriction would not be possible, given this high volume of tourists and the numbers of operators requiring licences. Our aim is always to provide visitors with the best possible experience when they visit our Parks. For that reason, during particularly busy periods, we have had to place limitations on the number of days per week we can issue permits for. Our National Parks are for all and management of commercial traffic allows visitors of all types the freedom to enjoy the space.
