asked the Minister for Finance if it has been found possible to keep under control the Rhododendron ponticum in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, Killarney, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Parks.
41.
Mr. Kenny
Research on the infestation by Rhododendron ponticum at Killarney and the means of combating it has been carried out over the past three years. Based on the results of this research an intensive clearance programme has recently been initiated which it is hoped will bring the problem under control in time.
42.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider declaring certain areas as being of outstanding natural beauty with a view to the establishment of new national parks.
Mr. Kenny
Certain areas of outstanding natural beauty and/or scientific interest are being studied by the National Parks and Monuments Branch of my Office to see if they would be suitable for the establishment of National Parks.
I understand there were proposals for an area in Kilkenny which was to be followed by an area in the Boyne valley. Has any progress been made with regard to these?
Mr. Kenny
Neither of those two locations are mentioned in the brief that I have. If the Deputy will communicate with me privately I will let him have the information.
Kilkenny was pretty well started.
Mr. Kenny
There is nothing here about Kilkenny or the Boyne valley.
I shall speak to the Parliamentary Secretary privately.
43.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will have Dartmouth Square, Dublin declared a national park area.
Mr. Kenny
Dartmouth Square would not be suitable for classification as a national park area and I do not propose to take any action in regard to it.