Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 742: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made into tackling the problem of illegal campsites which not only have negative consequences for the environment but are also unfair to those campsites operating with a licence and within the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29793/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fáilte Ireland does not issue licences to run caravan or camping parks but is responsible for maintaining a register of such parks and for setting the minimum standards for registration. It is illegal under the Tourist Traffic Acts for parks which are not registered to describe themselves as caravan parks or camping parks or a number of further protected titles. To qualify for registration, parks must consist of 20 or more pitches and must comply and be operated in accordance with all the statutory requirements of local and other authorities including planning, health and safety, water supply, sewage disposal and fire precautions. Only when parks meet these and the other minimum requirements set by Fáilte Ireland can they be registered as Caravan and Camping parks.

However, it is not illegal under tourism legislation for a facility to operate once it does not describe itself using one of the protected titles and Fáilte Ireland has no statutory role in monitoring such facilities. These facilities may in some cases be operating in contravention of other statutory requirements e.g. planning, health and safety, fire etc. In that regard, such potential breaches should be taken up with the approriate authority, e.g. the relevant Local Authority with regard to possible breaches of planning regulations. As registration of such parks is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. If you do not hear from the agency within ten working days, please contact my private office.