Vol. 486 No. 5
13 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to progress the establishment of the Wicklow national park and its management structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2837/98]
The Deputy is no doubt aware that the Wicklow Mountains National Park Study by RPS Cairns is currently under consideration in my Department. It is my intention to engage in consultations with relevant authorities and interest groups. The Deputy is no doubt aware that de facto the Wicklow Mountain National Park already exists, and has done so since 1990. Indeed, there is a management structure in place which is comprised of a regional manager and ten other personnel. Other temporary staff are taken on seasonally as required.
In 1990 a cottage located at Kilafin, Trooperstown Wood, near Laragh, was acquired with the intention of making it the new administrative headquarters for the park. Planning permission for the conversion of the cottage to this use was granted last month. The headquarters will consist of offices and stores.
