Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 688: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to turn Spike Island into a natural heritage site, complete with a visitors centre. [3511/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 defines a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) as "an area which is worthy of conservation for one or more species, communities, habitats, landforms or geological or geomorphological features, or for its diversity of natural attributes". I do not propose to designate Spike Island as a Natural Heritage Area as there is no scientific basis on which to do so.

In accordance with the provisions of section 8(i) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a matter for Fáilte Ireland, which is within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of tourism traffic within and to the State and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State.