Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish to raise our national parks and especially Killarney National Park. It is a valuable attraction along with Muckross House and Killarney House. They are already massive tourist attractions but we must maintain the momentum. However, that momentum is being challenged by the rhododendron and massive numbers of deer. I understand there is a small amount of culling taking place at present, but the deer are affecting the trees and vegetation. They are also a danger to people driving their cars on the road. They are running amuck, especially in the Killarney park. Sadly, they have caused loss of life for some people. It is a serious issue that must be addressed. With regard to the rhododendron, I believe we are losing the battle to eradicate this scourge.

The Minister mentioned creating and protecting employment in the national parks. The number of staff in Killarney National Park has been greatly reduced in recent years. I ask the Minister to consider increasing the number of staff for a number of reasons, including maintaining the park in the way it should be maintained. It was given to the State a number of years ago. At 26,000 acres, it is a very valuable property. It is the jewel in the tourism product of Kerry. For that reason, I am asking the Minister to provide more staff for Killarney National Park, Killarney House and Muckross House. In addition, the number of paths in the park must be increased and they must be enhanced. Many more people are cycling and walking in the park so we must improve those areas to ensure their safety. That cannot be done without increased funding. I ask the Minister to ensure that funding is sourced and protected to do as I ask so the momentum of the park into the future is protected. Pat Dawson and his team are doing tremendous work, but they can only do so much. They could do a great deal more if they had more staff. Given the Minister's reference to creating and protecting employment, more staff are needed in Killarney National Park. When the economic crisis hit the country it hit the park as well, and the number of staff went down. I ask the Minister to ensure that the park gets more staff.

The Minister also spoke about turf cutting. That is something close to my heart because my grandmother and grandfather - and my father when he started out - survived by selling turf. We continue to cut our own turf, as many people in Kerry do from Gneevgullia, Kilcummin and Scartaglin back through Kilgarvan, Cahersiveen and all around. It is mentioned in the 2040 plan that turf cutting will be ended by 2030. Many people will be affected if the Government thinks it will be able to bring an end to cutting and burning turf at that stage. One Deputy in the Chamber said that people would be better off financially if they left the turf in the bog. Many people would be very cold if they left the turf in the bog because they have traditionally used it to heat their houses. Other people can afford oil and other fuels but many of those I represent cannot.

It will be serious and there will be repercussions not only in Kerry, but throughout the whole country if the Department tries to implement it at that stage.

Our national park is of vital importance to the tourism product of Killarney. We are grateful for what has taken place in recent years with the opening of Killarney House and so on. Indeed, my father worked hard to ensure that funding was put in place to enable the House to be reopened. In 2010, he ensured that the project was included in the investment programme for 2011 when he had sway with Government. He had fought for it for several years. We are glad the project is going ahead and progressing and I thank the Minister for that but, again, I urge the Minister not to forget Killarney National Park.