Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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234. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a peg number for a boat in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47931/13]

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 or pegs. In a scheme introduced in 1991, following lengthy consultation with interested parties, mooring discs were issued to all boat owners having a recognised traditional mooring right 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, applicants for mooring pegs are placed on a waiting list and any pegs becoming available are allocated to those on the list. In order to facilitate the short-term accommodation of some of those on the waiting list, they are entered into a lottery each year for one of 20 temporary mooring pegs to use the lakes for one year.

My Department receives numerous requests for mooring spaces but, unfortunately, the demand far exceeds the number of spaces available. My Department is currently in the process of reviewing 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.

The individual referred to in the Deputy's Question has contacted my Department directly in relation to this matter and my officials have informed him of the position as set out above.