Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has asked several questions so I might take them backwards. If I omit a response to a question, please remind me.

I already touched on turf cutting in answer to the Chairman's question. We have no intention of ending the traditional right of someone to cut turf for domestic use, but obviously this must be balanced in any particular area with regard to the EU habitats directive. This is addressed on a case-by-case basis. Deputies may raise the issue with me again in respect of any specific case. We are aware of the tradition of turf cutting and the need to balance it with conservation challenges.

In 2017, we spent approximately €2 million on Killarney National Park. We opened Killarney House in 2017 and that project cost €7 million. It was a long awaited development. We have spent approximately €275,000 on the gardens since they opened.

The Deputy referred to the rhododendron. We have spent approximately €1 million on clearance since 2011, including €200,000 in 2016 and €300,000 in 2017. Right now, we are trying to operate a programme because it can be a total scourge. A strategic rhododendron management plan is being prepared. The Department has issued a tender to invite suitably qualified vendors for the term of four years to examine the matter. As the Deputy said, we want to ensure that Killarney National Park is a place where people can go to visit. It is difficult, costly and labour intensive to control the rhododendron but it is something of which we are aware.

A programme of works composed of four elements is under way. There is initial clearance and follow-up maintenance work by contractors. There is ongoing maintenance work by volunteers and students. There is a rhododendron eradication management contract. There is ongoing work by national parks staff, including co-ordination, research and monitoring. I note what the Deputy said about seeking an increase in staffing. We are coming through difficult times, as Deputies are aware, but I hope that as our finances improve there might be scope to increase the staffing.

A total of €12 million in funding has been allocated for the national parks in 2018. This includes funding for each of the six national parks and others activities. I do not have a specific breakdown as yet for Killarney National Park, as I have not had my sectoral launch yet. I hope to arrange that and I will let the Deputy know the details.

The Deputy also mentioned Muckross House. Right now we are investing €400,000 in conjunction with the trustees of Muckross House to upgrade the servants' dining area. That should be positive.

The Deputy mentioned the deer. I responded to a Topical Issue matter on this in the Dáil not long ago. Again, there is a balance between culling deer and trying not to slaughter deer unnecessarily, for want of a better expression. I understand an issue was raised on Kerry radio this morning about some deer swimming to Innisfallen Island. A total of 22 deer were culled this morning to ensure that we keep the herd at a level that is manageable.

There is scope for people to hold a licence under section 42 of the Wildlife Act to cull deer where necessary outside the annual open season. In the case of deer on private property, landowners may apply to the Department for permission to cull. Again, we want to protect them but we also want to ensure they do not cause issues or safety concerns for the people living in the area. The Deputy had raised an important issue in this regard.