Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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753. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has examined increasing the number of national parks in line with other European countries as a means of encouraging active walker tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14248/17]

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 6  National Parks account for circa 60,000 hectares with another almost 20,000 hectares  of nature reserves and other heritage sites. While  the existing  National Parks are managed from a conservation perspective, it is also recognised that they are ‘core assets’ which play a very important role in Ireland’s tourism and indeed active walker industry.  The National Parks and Wildlife Service manages and maintains more than 485km  of trails between  National Parks, Nature Reserves and other conservation /recreational properties. These are dispersed geographically across  the country and attracted in excess  of 4 million visitors annually. Within  the National Parks alone,  the NPWS is responsible for a trail network spanning some 220km, including both cycling and walking trails, which run over some  of the most iconic and scenic landscapes in Ireland. In addition, long-distance trails such as  the Wicklow and Kerry Way, 129km and 122km respectively, run through  the National Parks and are also maintained by the NPWS. NPWS sites have 18 trails currently listed on the National Trails Register.

Given the resources available for capital investment within our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am ever mindful  of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the existing  Parks and Reserves lands and have no plans at present to increase the number of National Parks in the country. However, as part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to improving our tourism and recreation product, we have been exploring ways to optimise  the sustainable tourism potential  of heritage sites under our control in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives. In this context, it should be noted that in late 2016 my Department negotiated  the extension  of Wicklow Mountains  National Park  by purchasing almost 4,900 acres of Dublin Uplands at Glenasmole in 2016 at a cost of €800,000. The purchase underpins  the Government’s on-going commitment to  the preservation  of  our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.

In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, launched a strategic partnership earlier this year with a view to growing tourism revenues in  the rural areas where  the parks are located and  increasing Ireland’s appeal as a recreation destination. Fáilte Ireland will be investing capital funding  of €500,000 to kick-start  the initiative.  This initial funding will focus on  the five  National Parks and five Nature Reserves situated on  the Wild Atlantic Way in addition to Wicklow Mountains  National Park. The funding will facilitate  the undertaking  of feasibility, scoping and design  of tourism and recreational projects, building on  the strengths  of each location, as well as further promoting track and trails within our  National Parks and Nature Reserves for walkers and tourists.