Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Killarney (Kerry) National Park.

Dick Spring

Question:

28 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the outcome of the Taoiseach's meeting with representatives of the National Park for the People Organisation which took place in Killarney, County Kerry in July 1992.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

Both the Taoiseach and I met separately with delegations from the National Park for the People Organisation during the summer. We both listened carefully to their reasons for opposing the proposal to lease approximately 90 acres of land at the periphery of the National Park to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as part of the area for the proposed new golf course. It was pointed out, however, that no decision on the proposal could be taken until the golf club provided full details of the proposed layout of the course. This was necessary in order to assess what impacts the proposals might have on the conservation and amenity values of the area.

I have indicated previously that no land will be made available to the golf club, unless I am satisfied that conservation and amenity values will be safeguarded. The present position is that the plans for the proposed new course were received by the Office of Public Works in the last two weeks and are being examined at present.