John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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746. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the approved recreational activities at a location (details supplied); the process for obtaining permission for a recreational activity and the use of walks at the location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20162/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department manages an extensive conservation and recreational property portfolio of some 79,000 hectares. Our six National Parks account for circa 60,000 hectares with another almost 20,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites. The site referred to by the Deputy is a State owned Nature Reserve comprising 55.4 hectares of woodland.The Nature Reserve is open to the public for walking and general enjoyment of the nature conservation value. Recreational activities other than these, or that are organised events involving e.g. sponsorship or commercialisation are treated as activities for which written permission must be sought in advance. Permission may be granted provided that the activity, event or organiser is compatible with nature conservation objectives and does not present a danger to the welfare or safety of the public or interfere with the general enjoyment of the reserve. Public liability insurance may also be required.

The Deputy can contact the local Ranger for the area, to whom such a permit application can be made. Contact details are on .