The designation of the national park in north-west Mayo came into effect on 1 November 1998. Representatives of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, and the Office of Public Works are currently assessing a number of sites in and around Ballycroy as to their suitability for the proposed visitor centre. When a suitable site has been identified and acquired, there will be full consultation with the local communities on the facilities to be provided before commencing the design and seeking planning approval, so it is unlikely that work will commence until 2001.