asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider making more funds available to assist development needs in national parks more rapidly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Parks.
132.
Mr. Kenny
The development of a national park is of necessity a long-term task and must be based on sound planning and research. I am satisfied that adequate funds are being made available to meet the demands of an expanding national park programme.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary have good news for us when he introduces his next Estimate as he had when he introduced the last one with regard to the park for Donegal?
Mr. Kenny
That will probably be finalised in May.
The Estimate will hardly be reached before then.
Mr. Kenny
I have good news because every year since 1969 the expenditure has been increasing. In 1969-70 it was £22,000 odd and in 1973-74 it was £97,000 odd. We may have better news, but the matter of Glenveagh should be finalised in May.
133.
asked the Minister for Finance if it is the policy of the Government that the parks section of the Office of Public Works administer unique and nationally significant historic areas including structures, monuments, memorials, battlefields and pre-historic archaeological remains; and if he will make arrangements to expand the park service activities in these fields.
Mr. Kenny
The Council of Europe has recommended that governments should identify and safeguard sites of scientific, historic, educational and scenic interest. The National Parks and Monuments Branch of the Office of Public Works includes in its objectives the protection, maintenance and administration of such sites where feasible. The operations of the branch have been expanded in recent years and the possibility of further expansion will be considered as financial and manpower resources permit.
I have in mind places like the Boyne Valley which it was proposed to make a special amenity area but, so far as I know, the matter of letting visitors know anything about the battle has been dealt with by Bord Fáilte. Can the Office of Public Works increase its activity in this field to ensure that such things as historic battle fields are properly marked? In places like the Hill of Tara, which was marked, the markings have all been broken away. Can they be restored? Would the Parliamentary Secretary expand his activity in this field?
Mr. Kenny
Complaints have been made from all parts of the country about this. Bord Fáilte were to do those things. The Deputy's suggestions will get very favourable consideration.