Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jul 1995

Vol. 455 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Parks and Gardens.

Ivor Callely

Question:

42 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his policy regarding national parks and gardens; if he will give details of the parks and gardens that have been considered for purchase by the State since January 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12399/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

Policy regarding State intervention in privately owned parks and gardens of national significance is being developed by me in the broad context of policy in relation to heritage properties in general.

However, heritage is probably best served through the continuation of such properties in private ownership, with State acquisition being considered only where they are in danger of being abandoned or if no way can be found to keep them in private or semi-private ownership, or in special cases where it is desirable to keep them open to the public and where this can be achieved only through State acquisition. State intervention in relation to properties of national significance must be considered in the context of scarce resources and the necessity to establish priorities.

The parks and gardens which have been considered for purchase by the State since January 1995 are the Lucan Demense, the acquisition of which is in progress; Kilmacurragh, County Wicklow, currently under consideration; and Shackleton Gardens, which I understand was acquired by a private purchaser recently, the State's negotiations for purchase not being successful.