John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

The New Horizons report of the tourism policy review group found widespread acceptance of the importance of good management practices in maintaining and enhancing the attractiveness of both the built and natural environments. However, rapid growth has resulted in pressures on the environment, including congestion, some inappropriate development and waste management systems that may not be consistent with the green image of Ireland.

For about 80% of our visitors, the scenic landscape is a factor in deciding to holiday here, which means that a major strategic challenge over the next ten years will be to manage the natural and built environments in ways that maintain and enhance their attractiveness.

The promotion of good environmental practice within the tourism industry is primarily a matter for the national tourism development authority, Fáilte Ireland. When I established the authority in 2003, I made it clear that it should have a strong focus on environmental issues. Historically, Bord Fáilte was well ahead of its time in this area but its focus shifted as the organisational remit became mainly centred on marketing.

The Department has pursued the matter with the authority and it established an environment unit towards the end of 2005, the functions of which are to promote good environmental practice within the industry and the protection of the environment. It also discharges Fáilte Ireland's role as a prescribed body in the planning process.

In September, Fáilte Ireland commissioned a review, to be completed by the end of 2006, of good environmental practice within the industry. This study will allow the authority to establish a baseline from which to measure how the tourism sector is currently performing in environmental management practices. Case studies of good practice within the sector will also be identified and used to promote higher standards generally.

The Department also led a session on tourism at the recent national conference, organised by Comhar, on sustainability in the National Development Plan, 2007-2013, which focused on our recent performance and considered how we could improve and enhance future performance over the life of the next NDP.

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