Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Coghlan for giving me an opportunity to discuss this important matter on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley.

Killarney House and the greater part of the accompanying estate was sold to the State in 1978 by the then owner, Mr. John McShain, for a sum below market value on the assurance that the house and the estate would be incorporated into Killarney National Park. As part of the sale agreement, the McShains had the use of the house and the surrounding 52 acres for their lifetimes. Mr. McShain died in 1989 and Mrs. McShain lived in the house until her death in 1998, when the use of the house reverted to the State — some 20 years after the sale. The house is now the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which manages Killarney National Park. In the 2005-09 management plan for the park, the stated intention for Killarney House is to retain and preserve its integrity and character both internally and externally and to provide for visitor access to certain parts as appropriate, in particular the three main furnished reception rooms. Detailed specialist surveys have been commissioned by the Office of Public Works. The surveys made it clear that major infrastructural works, such as adequate plumbing, heating and electrical systems, are needed before the house can be opened to the public. While Killarney House is in need of repair before it can be opened as a fully functioning building to the general public, I should make it clear that it is in a stable condition. It has been used for meetings of the national park liaison committee and for meetings between the Department and the trustees of Muckross House.

I assure the House that the Minister is committed to the development of Killarney House and the wider Killarney National Park, of which the house is an integral part. In the past five years, more than €5.5 million has been invested in the park, some €2.5 million of which was spent last year. A further €2 million will be invested this year. In addition, more than €1.4 million was spent in the past few years by the OPW on the provision of universal access at Muckross House which, for the first time, gives those with a mobility impairment full and equal access to the house. Killarney House has also benefited from this investment. Following consultations with the OPW, essential works to avoid any deterioration to the fabric of the building have been funded by my Department. These works include the removal of plaster on the walls to prevent dampness, the provision of dehumidifiers in all the main rooms on the ground floor and other important trench and draining works. The golden gates and railings of the house have been restored, a security system has been installed and heating pipes and radiators have been upgraded. In 2007, the gate lodge at Killarney House was renovated for use as an assembly and information point for walking tours, at a cost of more than €250,000. The lawns and flowerbeds at the house are regularly maintained. Staff are employed to cut the lawns, trim hedges, plant and maintain flowerbeds, collect litter and carry out small maintenance jobs. I emphasise that contrary to recent media reports, there are no squatters at Killarney House.

While Killarney House has been the subject of some investment in recent years, there is a bigger job to do. I assure Senators that the Minister is committed to ensuring the house fulfils its potential. To that end, he has asked the Department to work closely with all the appropriate State agencies to explore funding options. It will liaise with the Office of Public Works, in particular, to decide on a phased work programme for the house. We will keep Senator Coghlan updated on all of these matters.