Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht

Estimates for Public Services 2016: Vote 33 - Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

2:15 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister stated, there have been many positive developments in our national parks in 2016. The programme of investment continues at our national parks and visitor centres. For the year to date, very strong investment continues in trail networks, visitor facilities, the park road network, the upgrade of Muckross House and the newly refurbished Killarney House and gardens. I am delighted that the gardens in Killarney House opened to the public shortly after Easter and were opened officially by me last month. Glenveagh National Park also had a high profile visit in June, when his Royal Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall made a historic visit. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department played a central role in licensing and supervising the historic filming of "Star Wars" at various sites along the Wild Atlantic Way in May and June and in assisting with the filming of the programme for the new series of "Top Gear" at Killarney National Park. All of these promotions serve to bring the beauty of our national parks and landscape to a wider global audience. It will bring increased tourist numbers to the regions and I believe it will generate badly needed economic activity in the communities which have been custodians for generations of the jewel in our heritage crown.

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