Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps which he is taking to maximise the use of public properties with public access, with scientific interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16447/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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There are approximately 750 national monuments in the ownership or guardianship of my Department, such as, for example, Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel and Kilmainham Gaol. The day to day management of these national monuments rests with the Office of Public Works. There is significant public access to these properties and, in many cases, guided tours are available. Information about these properties and about access to them is available on the www.heritageireland.ie website. My Department, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, manages 6 State owned National Parks, as well as 78 nature reserves, 66 of which are in State ownership. All of our National Parks are open to the public all year round and similarly so for Nature Reserves. It is estimated that 2 million visitors visit our national parks every year. Visitors can independently explore the parks, can do so as part of guided walks or can take part in the many educational programmes run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Information on public access to the National Parks and Nature Reserves and their scientific significance can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife's website at www.npws.ie . To encourage and maximise use of these facilities, access is free of charge in all cases.

It is my intention to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, public access and appropriate visitor use in these parks and reserves. Such access and use must, of course, be consistent with the ethos of the parks as natural places of peace and tranquillity set in scenic landscapes as well as being compatible with the conservation and biodiversity considerations that are of necessity associated with the management of heritage properties. For example, National Parks and Nature Reserves are largely covered by designations under the Birds and Habitats Directives and all activities within these sites must be consistent with the requirements of the Directives.

Within the constraints imposed by current economic conditions, I intend to invest in visitor facilities in parks and nature reserves to maximise their sustainable use and enjoyment. To this end, and building on previous investment in this area, my Department is working on proposals to further develop visitor facilities such as walking and cycling routes, enhanced signage and interpretation.

As regards visitor centres, in recent years my Department opened modern top quality centres at Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo, and Clara Bog Nature Reserve in Co. Offaly. I recently announced that my Department has finalised a lease to facilitate the development of a new Burren National Park Visitor Information Point in Corofin, Co. Clare, and I am also developing proposals for the refurbishment and redevelopment of Killarney House in Killarney National Park.

There is significant evidence to suggest that Ireland's historic and natural environment is an increasingly important element of our national tourism product. Investment in the conservation of our built and natural heritage has the dual benefits of preserving these properties for the enjoyment of present and future generations while also improving the local and national economy through the generation and expansion of responsible sustainable tourism.

Our National Parks and nature reserves are there for all to enjoy and their locations around the country give everyone easy access to one of these areas of unrivalled natural rugged beauty.