Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
191. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether caravan parks that cater to tourists receive guidance or certification relating to fire safety, and whether a national accreditation system is planned. [72655/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland the National Tourism Development Authority has statutory powers under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939–2016 in relation to the registration and grading of tourist accommodation. These registration and classification responsibilities include administrating accommodation legislation, monitoring of product quality, customer relations and in particular the management of appointed sub-contractors for the inspection and registration assessment of various accommodation categories.
The Acts require that any premises using prescribed terms such as “Hotel”, “Guest House” or “Caravan Park” must be registered with Fáilte Ireland and comply with the criteria set out in the relevant regulations.
Each accommodation category is governed by specific Registration and Renewal of Registration Regulations, which outline the conditions that must be met in order to use prescribed terms. Service providers are required to retain all relevant documentation for inspection by Fáilte Ireland. Where an applicant cannot demonstrate full compliance with the regulations, the application cannot proceed.
The Registration and Renewal of Registration Regulations for Short-Term Tourism Accommodation Rental 2018 provide for the registration of caravan and camping parks.
Caravan parks catering to tourists must comply with all statutory obligations, including fire safety requirements, as a condition of registration under the 2018 Regulations. Operators are required to demonstrate compliance with fire safety legislation, typically through certification issued by the relevant fire authority or other competent professionals.
Fáilte Ireland does not provide fire safety advice or certification. Responsibility for compliance with fire, gas and electrical safety legislation rests with the accommodation operator, as part of their legal obligations and duty of care to guests.
