Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 October 2013
154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding restoration works at Killarney House; the date on which it will open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41706/13]
View answerIn 2011, I announced a major refurbishment programme for Killarney House and its ornamental grounds and gardens. The House will be developed as the main visitor and interpretative centre for Killarney National Park, highlighting the beauty and interpreting the richness and significance of the Park's landscapes, habitats, flora and fauna, as well as telling the story of man's interaction with the Park over the centuries. It is also intended that some of the formal rooms will be restored to their former glory.
This project involves collaboration between my Department and the Office of Public Works, as the project managers, and Fáilte Ireland, which has committed funding of €5.2 million under its Tourism Capital Investment Programme. A phased approach to the restoration has been adopted. The first two phases, which have now been completed, were required to safeguard the structural integrity and to create the optimal internal layout of the House in preparation for the full restoration works.
The next phases of works will include the full refurbishment of the main building, the construction of a new extension, the exhibition fit-out and extensive landscaping and other works to the ornamental grounds and gardens. Planning permission has been granted and substantive works on both the House and gardens are scheduled to begin later this year, with completion planned for 2014.
