Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of visitors annually attending at the 20 most popular heritage sites in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22437/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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In 2010, the total number of visitors attending the 20 most popular Heritage Sites in the country was about 2 million. Some sites such as Glenveagh and Muckross House are under the auspices of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and from returns available to the Office of Public Works, these sites recorded 146,000 visitors in 2010.

Visitor Returns for 2010 show a small decrease {0.06%} when compared to the 2009 data. This, however, was an excellent performance given that tourist numbers in general were down.

In early 2010, the volcanic ash cloud affected all sites, with a greater impact on the larger sites where foreign Tour Groups were unable fly into the country and take up their bookings. The exceptionally bad weather at the beginning of the year also had an impact.

All sites were open on a seven-day week basis throughout the peak tourist season. However, due to resources constraints, it was necessary to shorten the season at some sites.

This year, the number of visitors to the Rock of Cashel has increased as a direct result of the recent very successful Royal visit to the site.

I introduced an initiative recently giving the individual visitor free admission on the first Wednesday of every month for the rest of the year to all OPW-managed fee-paying Heritage Sites. It is my hope that this will encourage a greater interest in our built heritage by a wider audience both tourist and all communities living in Ireland and that people will be motivated to return sometime in the future to learn more.