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Project title

Integrating Environmental Policies Into The Tourism Product ? Developing A Model Of Best Practice.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

John McDonagh

Project Abstract

This thesis explores the intricate political environment and power struggles which mould and contest Irish protected area decision-making structures by comparing two controversial cases of tourism development in the West of Ireland i- Mullaghmore and the Cliffs of Moher. Using an innovative multi-method approach to data collection and analysis that combines survey data interviews and observation it shows that conflicts over the development of visitor centres reveal serious gaps in Irelandis approach to protected area planning that impede sustainable tourism efforts. By exploring the views of locals planning professionals public representatives and visitors this research offers a multi-layered analysis of planning governance and sustainable tourism development in Ireland. Initially this thesis presents evidence to show that the particularities of the Irish political system and the prevalence of a producer-orientated development paradigm combine to reinforce a productivist and exclusionary approach to protected area planning. Recent efforts towards participatory tourism planning have been weakened by a strong political influence in planning the prioritisation of scientific i'expertisei over local knowledge a lack of research on hostsi and visitorsi attitudes and behaviour a fragmented inter-agency style of governance and serious gaps in legislation policy and management.

Grant Approved

�75,000.00

Research Hub

Sustainability

Research Theme

Socio-Economic Considerations

Start Date

01/09/2005

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/06/2011