Local Authority Tourism Planning in Ireland: An Environmental Perspective

Abstract

This paper reports on environmental planning for tourism by Local Authorities in Ireland. Every Irish Local Authorities, County Development Plan was investigated, utilising a content analysis approach to identify the provision of environmental planning for tourism. Analysis has found Local Authorities are writing plans which focus on tourism’s interaction with the environment and support area protection measures. However, results seem to show a lack of robust and detailed tourism policies, strategies, budgets and guidelines to facilitate the implementation of these legally required five year plans. Furthermore, it would seem that there are a small number of Local Authorities whose plans do not exhibit a clear understanding of sustainable tourism indicators as a viable tool for Local Authority planners.