Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senator Coghlan for raising this matter. I make this reply on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, who apologises for being unable to attend the House. The Minister recently discussed this matter with members of Kerry County Council and Killarney Town Council. I undertook at that time to give the matter further consideration and I expect to be in a position to respond shortly.

The Minister wishes to take this opportunity to outline some of the background to this issue. The responsibility for ensuring the adequate provision of burial facilities for its functional area is a matter for the relevant local authority. I understand that both Killarney Town Council and Kerry County Council are at present considering options in this regard to meet the needs of the Killarney area. I also understand that a new private burial ground with considerable capacity has become available in the area. I am aware that Kerry County Council and Killarney Town Council have been seeking to use parts of Killarney National Park as a burial ground for some time.

Since 1976, Killarney National Park is subject to a number of significant EU and Irish legal environmental designations. It is a special area of conservation for habitats and species under the EU habitats directive 1992; a special protection area for birds under the EU birds directive 1979; and a natural heritage area under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2000. Moreover, the national park is currently managed by my Department as a category 2 protected area, in accordance with guidelines set down by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. It has also attracted the prestigious designation as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. This designation combines objectives of nature conservation and sustainable development. Furthermore, the pristine setting of Killarney National Park has proved an enduring attraction for tourists and locals alike, receiving an estimated 1.5 million visitors a year, which has created a valuable spin-off in terms of business and employment in the area.

The Minister recently launched a five-year management plan for Killarney National Park, which provides a solid platform for the introduction of strategies that have a strong emphasis on the conservation of the natural heritage within the park, while encouraging its appreciation and enjoyment by the public. In light of the considerations which I have outlined, Senators will appreciate that it is appropriate that any development in an area designated both as a national park and as a special area of conservation should be limited to what would enhance the conservation status of the area or to necessary works for which no alternative location is possible. The Minister will consider the local authorities' request in this context and I hope to be in a position to respond on the matter in the near future.