Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 2

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

195 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the reason the Office of Public Works has restricted access to Ross Castle and Ross Island, Killarney, to the jarveys, if he will re-open the routes that have been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29422/03]

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

In response to public demand, and as part of my Department's assistance in the preparations for the Killarney 250 celebrations, which will celebrate 250 years of tourism in Killarney in 2004-5, a programme of minor works to improve the general amenity of the area around Ross Castle was carried out during 2003. This area is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department, as part of Killarney National Park.

The programme of works included the development of new pedestrian pathways, the opening up of new viewing vistas on the lakes, as well as the erection of a bollard to restrict access to an area around Ross Castle and Island to pedestrians.

The works were intended to improve the amenity of the area by the provision of a pleasant walking experience around Ross Island and also to provide for improved safety for pedestrians, improved security in the area around the castle and the elimination of horse dung from this area of the national park. I understand that these improvement works have been welcomed by the public. I also understand that there are currently 15 kilometres of internal roads in Killarney National Park available to jarveys, which are maintained at my Department's expense.

Pony trekking operators who used the routes in question were consulted and provided with alternative routes. The routes involved were not widely used by jarveys. However, the proposed works were discussed in advance by my Department's regional manager with responsibility for the park with the Killarney National Park liaison committee, on which the jarveys are represented. I understand that no objections were raised in the discussions with the liaison committee on this matter. I am also advised that the traditional jarvey stand in the Ross Castle area is not affected by the new arrangements.