asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider designating certain properties or areas within the State for future development as national parks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Parks.
143.
Mr. Kenny
In my reply of 12th February, 1974, to a similar question by the Deputy I stated that certain areas of outstanding natural beauty and/or scientific interest were 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. Since then a contract has been signed for the acquisition of an extensive area at Glenveagh, County Donegal, for use as a national park and other areas are still being studied.
Is there any progress being made in regard to the great national gardens as a result of the survey that was carried out by a voluntary body?
Mr. Kenny
I gave all the information I had at my disposal to Deputy Haughey. He asked me about an inter-departmental committee he had formed when he was Minister for Finance. That has been dissolved. There was a list drawn up of great national gardens and these have been whittled down by a process of elimination to about a half dozen.
Do not whittle it down too far.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if his Department——
Mr. Kenny
That is another question. Is it about Fota?
Yes.
Mr. Kenny
That is another question. You are a bit late.