asked the Minister for Finance if he will prepare a development plan within a reasonable time for the whole of the national park in Killarney, County Kerry including the acquired portion of the Kenmare estate; if he will employ additional staff in the park pending the preparation of such a plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the importance of this national park to the nation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney National Park.
2.
It is normal practice in national parks throughout the world to draw up a management plan. The Commissioners of Public Works are preparing such a plan for the Killarney National Park, including the Kenmare estate portion of the park. It is expected that the plan will be completed in two to three years' time.
The plan will serve to identify the resources of the park, together with the means by which those resources should be preserved. It will also cover the interpretative and recreational facilities to be provided for visitors. I take it that this accords with what the Deputy envisages as a development plan. I might add that the preparation of the management plan will include consultation with interested parties.
The question of employing additional staff does not at present arise.