Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 10

Written Answers. - Killarney, Kerry, National Park.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

63 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance when the management plan for Killarney National Park, County Kerry, will be launched, having regard to the fact that this has been promised since 1985; if he will make a statement on the proposal to lease a section of the national park to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club; the present stage of such negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the principle of leasing sections of national parks to private clubs for their own use.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The management plan for Killarney National Park is almost finalised and will be launched this summer. I have no objections to leasing State lands peripheral to the national park as part of a third golf course there. These lands had been let for grazing and do not form part of the core national park. I am satisfied that if negotiations are concluded with Killarney Golf Club there will be tangible benefits to both conservation and public access deriving from the lease. I cannot give further details on these matters until negotiations with the club are more advanced.