Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1674. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding staffing at Killarney National Park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16729/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that since 2016 my Department has invested over €3 million in Killarney National Park. This spend represents a large proportion of my Department's overall budget for our six national parks and 80 reserves and reflects our commitment to the park. There has been significant investment in the upkeep of the park, the upgrading of its roads and of course the multi-million refurbishment of Killarney House and Gardens. My Department continues to manage Killarney National Park in order to abide by the strict criteria and standards for national parks as set by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2015. At present there are 49 permanent staff and 4 seasonal staff based in Killarney National Park and its environs.
Staffing levels across my Department are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Of my Department’s total staff, I understand that some 330 work in the area of natural heritage through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). In addition, my Department takes on in the region of 70 seasonal staff during the year to assist the NPWS. Conservation Rangers are deployed through a regional structure and assignments are determined in light of Departmental business needs and priorities.
