Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 1963

Vol. 205 No. 12

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Muckross House, Killarney.

41.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Finance if the family of the late Senator Vincent have been consulted about the proposal to convert Muckross House, Killarney, County Kerry to a hotel and administrative staff college; if he is satisfied that the proposal is within the terms of the gift of Muckross House to the nation for the enjoyment of the general public; what alternative uses of the house have been considered; and if he will now consider handing over the house to An Óige for use as a youth hostel which would be in closer accord with the wishes of the donor than another luxury hotel.

42.

Mr. Connor

asked the Minister for finance if he is aware that the handing over of Muckross House to CIE for hotel purposes is causing grave concern to the people of Killarney and Kerry as a whole; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the matter.

Dr. Ryan

I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Question Nos. 41 and 42 together.

I am in communication with a member of the Vincent family regarding this matter.

The proposal is within the terms of clause 5 of the Preliminary Agreement regarding the transfer of the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park to the State as shown in Part I of the Schedule to the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Act, 1932, and is also covered by Sections 11 and 12 of that Act.

The following uses for Muckross House have been considered: youth hostel, country residence for the President, convalescent home, dairy instruction centre, domestic economy school, horticulture and forestry institute, retreat house for a religious community, private residence, biological research station, folklore or other type museum, venue for international conferences, liminology centre or hotel training centre. None of these was regarded as suitable for adoption.

In 1935 An Óige were given permission to inspect Muckross House but did not make any proposals for using it. In 1952 An Óige asked for the use of the basement of the house but this proposal was rejected on technical advice. It is understood that An Óige have been accommodated elsewhere in the area.

With regard to this matter generally, as already indicated in a statement issued to the Press, no final decision has yet been taken.

Mr. Byrne

In view of the fact that Muckross House was donated for the benefit of the public at large, would the Minister ensure that no commercialisation of that property is undertaken and that it is maintained for the use of the public at large and not reserved for a small section of the community?

Dr. Ryan

As far as the grounds are concerned, no Minister would hesitate in giving an assurance that they will be maintained for the public at large. But we are puzzled about what we are going to do with the house.

Mr. Connor

This house was donated by the late Senator Vincent as a playground for the people of Killarney, for Ireland and, indeed, for the world. Is it not a scandalous state of affairs that, after several organisations failed to get Killarney, CIE should come along now? We are not told, but we know it will be handed over to them.

Dr. Browne

The Minister mentioned An Óige. Was it offered to them and did they reject it?

Dr. Ryan

Not exactly. An Óige were asked to make proposals, which they did not make. Afterwards there was some question of their getting the basement. That was rejected for technical reasons, principally because of fire and a few other things. I think Deputy Connor will agree that we rejected quite a number of proposals already. So far as the present proposal is concerned, it is under consideration and we have not decided at all yet.