I am sure the members of the Seanad will learn with gratification and gratitude of the magnificent and princely gift which a member of the Oireachtas has made to the nation. The gift originated in the princely offer that Senator Vincent was good enough to make to the President of the Executive Council on the 28th July last, which was confirmed in the following letter:—
46 Kildare Street,
Dublin,
28th July, 1932.
Dear Mr. President,
Re Muckross.
With reference to our conversation of to-day's date, the Muckross Estate was purchased by Mr. W.B. Bourn, of San Mateo, California, about 1910 from Lord Ardilaun. In 1916 Mr. Bourn settled the estate on me for my life with remainder to my children as I should appoint. During the last 22 years I have greatly improved the estate in every way, including forestry. It is now in what one might call perfect condition.
Looking to the future, Mr. Bourn and I have arrived at the conclusion that it is going to be too big an undertaking for any private individual under the changing conditions of the world.
The Muckross Estate would make a public park such as any country might be proud of. It surrounds at least one half of the Lower Lake of Killarney; it entirely surrounds the Middle Lake, and bounds certainly two-thirds of the Upper Lake, and this area, if preserved as at present exists, will for all time be one of the greatest beauty spots in the world. The total area is some 13,000 acres.
Under these circumstances Mr. Bourn and I would much prefer to see the State in possession than any private individual, and I would therefore be glad to know whether, if all legal difficulties in the way be overcome, the State would be ready to become the owner. As a preliminary step I would suggest that you and some members of the Executive Council should come and stay with me and go over the estate, when I would be able to put all matters before you.
The President did not find it possible to visit the estate, but a few members of the Executive Council, including myself, did so. I should like to say in that connection that I had seen Killarney many times. I knew the reputation which it bore for peerless beauty, but I never realised before how much tender care and exquisite taste could enhance the beauty of that magnificent place. I came back very enthusiastic that the State should accept the gift, and the same feeling was expressed by the other members of the Executive Council who visited it. I am happy to say that, all the legal difficulties having been overcome, we were able to introduce a Bill entitled: "Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Bill." It passed through all stages in the Dáil and it is now before the Seanad for acceptance. The Bill, which is unprecedented so far as our legislation is concerned, is in four Parts. Part I is preliminary and general, dealing with the short title, definitions and provision for expenditure. Part II deals with acceptance of the gifts; Part III with the maintenance of the Park; and Part IV with the custody and use of chattels personal. It is the intention under this Bill, if it is accepted by the Oireachtas, and when it becomes law, that the estate will be constituted as a memorial park and that there will be erected there a monument to the late Maud Chase Bourn Vincent, wife of Senator Arthur Rose Vincent, who was largely responsible for the gift. The monument will be maintained in perpetuity. The park will be maintained in perpetuity and will be administered by the Office of Public Works, in very much the same manner as the Phoenix Park, Stephen's Green and other public parks are maintained. Power is taken in the Bill to charge and levy tolls. It is essential that such powers should be taken, because otherwise the burden of maintaining the estate might entail heavy expenditure. We hope that as the more private attractions of Killarney are now available to the public generally, and to tourists in particular, that a very substantial revenue will be derived from tolls which will not be burdensome upon the people of the district—because, I understand they enjoy very great facilities, even at present—which will enable us substantially to reduce the cost to the Exchequer of maintaining the estate. I do not think it is necessary for me to say anything more, except to commend the Bill for acceptance, and again to express on behalf of the Executive Council, and I am sure on behalf of our people generally, our gratitude to Senator Vincent and to Mr. William Bowers Bourn, for this magnificent gift.