Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

As regards our natural heritage assets, Ireland's six national parks and 78 nature reserves attract a large number of visitors every year. This adds significantly to the tourism product and brings economic benefits to rural areas, while also playing an important role in the conservation of Ireland's rich biodiversity and increasing awareness of our natural heritage. A specific programme of capital works is undertaken, within available resources, at these properties each year. Such works involve, for example, the provision of improved information or interpretation and the development of walks and, where possible, new visitor facilities. Essential to these various initiatives is the involvement and collaboration of the relevant local authorities.

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