Vol. 577 No. 1
202 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the date on which the Ballycroy national park project for County Mayo was first approved; the funding put in place for this project at each stage; the relevant date of same; when he expects this project to progress to the planning stage and the tender stage; and the person who is preparing the planning for this project. [30634/03]
I assume that the question refers to the Ballycroy national park visitor centre project, which I have recently approved to advance to planning application and tender stage. The overall project has evolved over a number of stages, following the acquisition of the lands for the national park itself over the years 1993-1998.
Some €3.81m was allocated in respect of the project under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. To date, €421,000 has been spent on design fees and on the purchase, in March 2001, of a site for the centre. The project is being managed by my Department with the assistance of a working group, comprising representatives of local community and tourism groups, Mayo County Council, the Office of Public Works and of my Department.
