Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, to the House to discuss this legislation, which serves to enable Teagasc to develop the Johnstown Castle estate for heritage, tourism and recreational purposes and to facilitate the building of a burial ground. The Bill amends the Johnstown Castle Agricultural College (Amendment) Act 1959 and the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988 to include reference to a map delineating the castle and its gardens from the rest of the estate, extend the purpose for which land from the estate can be disposed of, and extend the purpose for which the estate can be used. However, the existing limit of 5% in respect of land disposal remains in place.

Johnstown Castle is located close to Wexford town and was gifted to the State by private owners under the Johnstown Castle Agricultural College Act 1945 on condition that it be used exclusively as a lay agricultural college. The use of the estate was subsequently expanded, under the Johnstown Castle Agricultural College (Amendment) Act 1959, to include agricultural research. The estate, which was transferred to Teagasc in 1988, comprises the castle, gardens and agricultural land.

Johnstown Castle is a leading research centre for soils and the rural environment. The centre conducts research on soils, nutrient deficiency, recovery and losses, air and water quality, the agricultural environment and agri-ecology. The research results generated are used widely by advisers, farmers, scientists and policy makers. Teagasc conducts its research programme on the lands, with the castle and gardens no longer used for agricultural education and research. As such, Teagasc is seeking to develop the castle and gardens as a tourism destination in the south-east region. In addition, a plot on the estate is being development as a burial ground for the use of the local community.

I thank the Minister and the personnel in his Department for the work that has gone into the Bill. It will have significant positive effects for tourism and heritage in the south and east of the country and will attract many visitors to the area. I take this opportunity to note that there are several other historic houses located throughout the country. My colleague, Senator Susan O'Keeffe, mentioned one outside Castlebar. I remind the Minister of two in the north west, namely, Hazelwood House and Lissadell House, both in Sligo. It would be a most welcome development if consideration were given to developing tourism ventures around those sites, which would have great benefits for local communities and the region as a whole.