Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I want to make a specific case for the development of serious tourism amenities in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains region. It is fantastic that Dublin is ideally located with its bay, rivers and mountains in close proximity. Some of these mountains are on the doorstep of the capital, within a 15-minute drive. If one is up early enough on a Sunday morning, one can drive to the heart of the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin in one hour. If one does not want to go into the depths of the mountains, one can get to closer areas in half an hour. I know these mountains intimately and suggest their tourism potential has not yet been exploited.

Although there has been an increase in the level of domestic walking - usually involving clubs and groups - there has been no comparable increase in the number of walking tourists from overseas. Any capital city would be blessed to have such a spectacularly beautiful range of mountains on its doorstep. I accept that there is a national park in County Wicklow, but if we were really serious about attracting tourists to these mountains, we would start by managing them. It is intimidating and frightening to see the outrageous destruction being caused by excessive walking in certain areas. The use of motorbikes and quad bikes is destroying some of our pre-Christian cairns. If the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, has had the time to look at the damage done near Kilbride, he will know what I am talking about.

I applaud those charged with responsibility for the creation of facilities such as the wonderful boardwalk around Glendalough. If one travels away from that area on a misty day into the Wicklow Mountains proper - towards Lough Firrib, for example - one will not encounter any markings. Irish mountain ranges have practically no markings on their summits. There is usually no indication of how long it might take to get from one peak to another. I have walked in the High Tatras in France and on most of the mountains in Ireland. It is practically impossible to get lost while walking in France or in the High Tatras because the walks are so well marked. Markings tend to be painted on rocks or trees. In Ireland, however, we are in the infancy of the management of our mountains.

I appeal to the Minister of State to accept that the potential of our mountains is phenomenal and fantastic. There has been an increase in the footfall of local indigenous walkers, as I have said, but there has been no comparable increase in the number of tourists coming here to walk. If we are to attract such individuals, we must ensure they will feel safe in our mountain ranges and that the ways are marked. As the Minister of State is aware, weather conditions can change in minutes. The Wicklow Mountains are beautiful on a lovely sunny day, but the sun can disappear quickly. When the mist comes down, one can be in blizzard conditions before very long. I have experienced such conditions. It can be dangerous for those not well acquainted with maps and compasses. Statistics show how many have died or got lost on our mountains. Figures are available to show how frequently mountain rescue teams have to be brought out.

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