Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mayo National Park.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

282 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure that the building of a proposed centre (details supplied) in County Mayo is located in the Ballycroy area of the whole development in view of the fact that approximately 90 per cent of the land is in the Ballycroy area; and if she will ensure that whatever benefits and whatever buildings allocated and subsequently erected will be located in the Ballycroy area in order that the Ballycroy community benefit directly from this centre and development. [13552/97]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Miss de Valera)

The Deputy may be aware that a report entitled "The Conservation of the Natural Heritage of North West Mayo" was launched last year. The report recommended the establishment of a national park in Mayo on the State owned lands that have been acquired for nature conservation in the Owenduff area. It also examined a number of possible locations for visitor facilities for the proposed national park. Following the launch of the report a consultation process took place in which the views of the public were invited. It is my intention to examine this report and the submissions made by the public on it before deciding on the optimum location for visitor facilities.