Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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248. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will visit the northern hemisphere’s only gold standard dark sky reserve in south Kerry in view of the tourism potential that exists arising from this designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1971/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I have noted with great interest, the designation by the International Dark-Sky Association of an area of almost 700 square kilometres on the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Ireland. I know that the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, which has been supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, is currently one of only three Gold Tier Dark-Sky Reserves in the world and the only one in the northern hemisphere.  I agree that such a designation can benefit tourism in the region and can confirm that the tourism agencies are promoting the Reserve accordingly.

I have yet to experience all that the Reserve has to offer and should be happy to accept the Deputy’s invitation to view the sky-scapes in South Kerry.  In this regard, I would ask that the Deputy please make direct contact with my Private Office to see if a visit could be incorporated into my schedule.