Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views in relation to the issuing of mooring permits on Muckross Lake, Killarney, County Kerry; his further views that the permit holders can pass their permits from one generation to the next and that this act is discriminatory to all other anglers and recreational users of the lake who cannot obtain permits; his further views that the lottery system in place for 20 one year permits to accommodate the other 800 persons on a waiting list to obtain a permanent boat pass is unrealistic and in need of urgent review; his further views that it is unjustifiable and indeed discriminatory that an Irish citizen should have to pay a boat keeper €40 a visit to use a State lake; if he has any plans to review the issuing of mooring permits on Muckross Lake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32951/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Private boats on the lakes in Killarney National Park are regulated by way of mooring discs. In a scheme introduced in 1991, mooring discs were issued to all boat owners having a recognised traditional mooring on the lakes subject to an overall limit on the number of discs issued. It is considered that a limit is necessary so as to balance recreational use with the conservation imperative of flora and fauna of the lakes and surrounding areas and also taking account of obligations under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

My Department does not permit the placing of boats on the lakes on a daily basis, as boats and engines coming from outside the Park carry the risk of spreading invasive alien species such as zebra mussels and various pond weeds. To facilitate others, persons applying for discs are placed on a waiting list and as discs become available, they are allocated to those on the waiting list. In addition, a lottery is held annually to allow 20 additional people use the lakes for a year.

My Department receives numerous requests for mooring spaces but unfortunately, the demand far exceeds the number of spaces available. My Department is currently carrying out a review of all issues relating to the ongoing management of the lakes in the Park, including all boating activities, with a view to developing a long-term sustainable strategy for the lakes as an integral part of Killarney National Park.