Vol. 405 No. 9
76 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if, (a) in view of the widespread opposition to the proposed location of the visitors and interpretative centre for the Wicklow Mountains, he will direct the Office of Public Works to relocate the centre in a more appropriate place, and (b) he will list the organisations which were consulted about the centre.
77 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether any relevant projects due to be carried out by the Office of Public Works, such as the interpretative centre proposed in County Wicklow, whilst not open to the normal planning process, should, at least, be subjected to an environmental impact assessment due to the sensitivity of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
The proposed visitor centre for the Wicklow Mountains national park was first announced when the park was launched in April 1990. Since then the Office of Public Works in consultation with the planning authority selected a site for the centre which would convey a flavour of the Wicklow Mountains and provide for walks within the site without in any way damaging the mountains themselves.
While the development is so far below the EIA thresholds that an assessment is not needed, nevertheless the Office of Public Works, in view of the concerns expressed, have decided to commission a study.
I should like to emphasise that the Office of Public Works are complying fully with their statutory functions in this matter. In addition they have attended a public meeting, participated in debate on local radio and have had six meetings with different voluntary organisations in the matter.
