Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, and thank him for responding to this matter on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Minister of State may not be aware that the question of burial facilities for the Muckross community is a long-standing issue. Killarney Town Council discussed the matter with the Minister, Deputy Roche, when he visited the area last year but the request from the Muckross community goes back much further than that. The land in question comprises approximately three acres at Abbeycross, which is located on the main Killarney to Kenmare road as one turns left to go towards Muckross church.

While it is located within its boundaries, it is not an integral part of Killarney National Park. It cannot be regarded as part of the core area and it is not of great environmental value or importance. It is used on a rotating basis for grazing purposes. As one leaves Killarney town going towards Muckross House, the land is on the left. It is not compatible with the UNESCO designation of the overall park. A number of semi-industrial buildings are located close to the land. The national monuments depot of the OPW is also located there, in addition to a car park, a jaunting car stand, domestic houses, a private residence, a church, a village centre, a Church of Ireland graveyard at Killegy, a famous hotel and pub — Molly Darcy's — in the Muckross Park Hotel.

I am sure the Minister of State will be aware that the land in question was offered for this purpose many years ago when Michael Begley was Parliamentary Secretary at the Office of Public Works. It was approved by the officials in the OPW at that time for burial purposes. This is not a new proposal; it goes back a long time. At that time the residents in the area wanted an extension to the existing burial ground at Muckross Abbey which is effectively closed as it is full. That is what they were seeking at the time and they did not want to take this land. Killarney Town Council, Kerry County Council and the entire community in Killarney and Muckross would be happy to avail of the land on this occasion.

This matter can be done on a once-off basis for the common good. The decision can be ring-fenced. I am sure flat paving could be provided and the area could be manicured and maintained in a way that would be compatible with the surrounding area. As the Minister of State is aware, this area is on the left of the road, not on the right where the park proper is located.