Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2004
172 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals or plans he has for the future of Doneraile Court and demesne, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6403/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe re-roofing of Doneraile Court was completed during 2001 at a cost of some €900,000 with assistance from EU Structural Funds, under the Tourism Operational Programme 1994-1999.
A further sum of €2.54 million has been allocated under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the carrying out of works to enable Doneraile Court to be opened to the public.
My Department is in consultation with the Office of Public Works to devise a scheme of improvement works for the court but the estimated cost of the project greatly exceeds the NDP funding allocation. Other possible sources of funding are being investigated but it is not possible at this stage to predict the outcome of this exercise.
A number of minor capital works were carried out at Doneraile Wildlife Park in 2003 and the park will continue to be managed to its present high standard and kept open for the enjoyment of the general public as heretofore.
