Michael Ring
Question:270 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will locate the interpretative centre in Ballycroy, County Mayo in relation to the proposed national park. [4566/98]
Written Answers - Interpretative Centres.
Michael Ring
Question:271 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will confirm the locations being examined for the location of an interpretative centre in County Mayo in relation to the proposed national park; and when she will have a decision on this issue. [4567/98]
Michael Ring
Question:272 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if a meeting could be scheduled between Dúchas and the Ballycroy Community Council to discuss the progress being made on the proposed national park in Ballycroy, County Mayo; and the date and time for this meeting. [4568/98]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 270, Uimh. 271 agus Uimh. 272 le chéile.
A report entitled, The Conservation of the Natural Heritage of North West Mayo, which was jointly commissioned by Mayo County Council and my Department examined several possible locations, including Ballycroy, as sites for a visitor centre. I am at present considering this report and I hope to make a decision on the matter in the near future.
It is, however, unrealistic at this stage to expect that the proposed visitor centre will be provided before the end of 1999, that is the deadline for completion of projects funded under the current tourism operational programme for 1994-99. It has been decided, therefore, to proceed with the necessary planning of the building at a location to be decided on with a view to implementing the project under the next tranche of European Regional Development Fund funds.
With regard to the proposed national park, I hope that a meeting between officials of Dúchas — the heritage service of my Department — and the Ballycroy Community Council to discuss progress in relation to the proposed national park will take place shortly. An official of Dúchas will make the necessary arrangements for such a meeting and the Deputy will be informed once these arrangements have been finalised.