Guide book hits out at our lack of eco-awareness

IRELAND'S 40 shades of green does not include the all-important "eco-green" and that is severely tarnishing its reputation with tourists according to travel bible, the Lonely Planet.

After 200 days of research by seven contributors including the main author, Fionn Davenport, the latest edition on Ireland, released yesterday, provides the usual mix of reviews, some complimentary others critical, of Ireland's main tourist hotspots.

Yet again Bundoran, Co Donegal, comes in for criticism. In 2006, the guide described it as "a kitsch assortment of half-baked fairground rides, flashing arcades, fast-food diners and overpriced B&Bs".

In 2008, not much seems to have changed - "one of Ireland's tackiest holiday resorts, with an assortment of unappealing arcades and fast-food diners" is the latest review. However, while the authors can find plus points in every individual place - for Bundoran it is the surf - there is a general complaint that applies across the whole country.

Just three months after the same hallowed travel guide company declared Ireland the world's friendliest place in its Blue List 2008, it is now scathing of the fact that "everyone in Ireland has a car" and "the country's carbon footprint is double the global average".

Tom Hall, of Lonely Planet, said environmental concerns have come much more to the fore since the last edition was published and it was a concern reflected in a number of comments it had received in advance of the release of the eighth version on Ireland.

The guide accuses the Irish of being less concerned about the environment than the citizens of most other European countries.

"Sustainable travel has to become a core issue if Ireland is to continue attracting visitors with its mix of great scenic beauty, distinctive heritage and wonderful culture," claims author Fionn Davenport.

However, he does concede Ireland "is the envy of Europe for introducing recycling programmes to address environmental issues and to counteract the problems which the thriving economy has caused". In particular, he praises the introduction of the plastic bag tax which he says has resulted in a 90% drop in bag waste.

To reflect the emphasis being placed on environmentally friendly holidays, the Ireland guide includes a sustainable travel section and chapter focusing on "the rediscovery of traditional Irish cuisine" with emphasis on local farmers and locally sourced produce.

The eighth edition of the Ireland Lonely Planet goes on sale today.
Stephen Rogers
© Irish Examiner 22.01.08