Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up to date position regarding free access to Coillte lands and parkways and adjacent carparks; if access adjacent to carparks is standardised in relation to barriers and costs; if there are plans to make car parking at all sites free to the public in view of the upcoming Gathering 2013 events such as an event (details supplied) in Cuonty Monahgan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47974/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as those mentioned by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the company.

The matter has, however, been raised with Coillte who advise that, in line with their Recreation Policy, the public are welcome to access all areas on foot and designated forests and trails for cycling, free-of-charge. Organised events and other activities are facilitated by a permit system available to the public online. There are nominal fees charged for most permits with commercial activities paying a higher tariff.

The company further advise that it also manages 11 forest parks and collect a fee for access by vehicle to the car-parks at 9 of these forest parks. This fee is used to maintain substantial recreational infrastructure at these parks including trails, toilets, playground equipment, mapboards and picnic and barbecue areas. Every forest park traditionally charged a fee for access by car at peak times during summer and bank holidays and fee collection is now facilitated by access barriers. Coillte do not charge a car-parking fee at any of its other 150 car-parking and recreation sites across the country. In relation to events held at the forest parks, volunteer, scouting and school groups are facilitated by waiving any permit fees for their activities. Where a car-parking fee is payable for vehicle access, groups are encouraged to car-pool and use group transport for larger events.

Coillte has advised that it is participating in, and indeed organising, events for The Gathering 2013 and will facilitate many other groups organising events on its lands for this initiative. For suitable events for the forest parks where a car-parking fee is normally charged, car-parking charges may be waived.

In relation to the event mentioned, I have been advised by Coillte that this is a matter for local and district management to decide as to whether it meets the criteria for the waiver of the charges.