asked the Minister for Finance if, having regard to recent developments affecting the change of ownership of Carton House and estate in Maynooth, County Kildare, he is in a position to acquire the property for use as a national park; if his Department expressed an interest during recent discussions affecting the change of ownership of the property; and if he will give some indication as to the lines along which he would like to see the property develop in the future.
Written Answers. - Carton House.
13.
Carton House and estate are held in private ownership and there are no plans to acquire the property by the State. The property does not meet the accepted international criteria for a national park. I am not aware of any recent discussions affecting the change of ownership of the property.
I understand that the owners were recently in communication with the Kildare County Council regarding the future development of the property. I do not wish to speculate as to what the final outcome might be.