I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 83 on 5 February last.
The position has not materially changed but progress has been made in that a draft management plan has recently been completed by the local authorities. This plan has just been submitted to my Department for agreement and a response will be issued without delay. I expect this will clear the way for the execution of the contract documents and agreements by the two local authorities which have yet to sign up. From my Department's viewpoint there was nothing to prevent signing the contract documents and agreements as long as a year ago and indeed my Department had been pressing the local authorities to do so but two of the authorities concerned were not prepared to sign up until an overall management plan had been compiled and agreed by all parties involved.
The contract documents and agreements are designed to protect the interests of all parties involved and also to provide the flexibility for the development of a co-ordinated management strategy for the Liffey Valley park for the benefit of the local community and the public at large.
