Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Griffin for his continued support for this initiative. He is correct that the purchase of Inch Strand by the NPWS on behalf of the State now forms part of the new Páirc Náísiúnta na Mara, along with Derrynane, Conor Pass, Owenmore and Sceilg Mhichíl. The marine national park is a really important and wonderful initiative by the State. At the announcement, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and I were clear that we want to develop a management plan for entire national park and we are embarking on that process now. We looked at the issues while we were there a couple of weeks ago, particularly around the car parking on the strand, and we want that to form part of the management plan. In terms of forming a sustainable approach to it, nothing changes for the immediate term but it is important we engage with communities, Kerry County Council and all other stakeholders to develop a sustainable management plan for the national park. Of course, we will underpin this by new national park legislation, the heads of the Bill which we will develop later this year. Certainly, it is our intention to embark on a collaborative process to develop a new plan.

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