Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Parks.

Michael Ring

Question:

326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the visitor centre for Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo; if the centre will go ahead; when funding will be provided for it; when it is proposed to have the centre operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28055/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

I recently allocated a sum of €3.81 million for the construction of a new visitor centre for Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo, which is being funded by my Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. My Department has already purchased a site for the centre in the village of Ballycroy.

The visitor centre will be built into a hill overlooking Blacksod Bay, with the national park to its rear, and will comprise an exhibition area, a cafeteria, educational space and a viewing platform. A planning application for the project will be submitted in the coming weeks. I would hope that, subject to finalisation of design and layout issues, the planning process and tendering procedures, the new visitor centre in Ballycroy will be open to visitors in 2005.

The establishment of the new centre will contribute to a network of heritage sites in Mayo, including the Céide Fields Centre and the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park House, Castlebar. I am confident that this network of heritage sites will prove attractive to visitors and will help to promote County Mayo as one of Ireland's premier tourist destinations, as well as contributing to the effective conservation and appreciation of the nation's heritage.