Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to see the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, in this position, which I welcome very much. I hope to see him often in Killarney.

I think the Minister of State is nearly as familiar as I am with the particular property mentioned in this matter. As he knows, Killarney House is a magnificent place, beautifully restored, with huge money invested in it by the State and his Department, and maybe one other Department gave a little help. I think the Minister of State is now taking over responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, which I am delighted with. A wonderful job has been done on the gardens of Killarney House, which are now open to the public on weekends and, I think, will open to the public on a full-time basis very shortly - next month, in fact.

I look forward to hearing the Minister of State outline when Killarney House will open to the public. I expect it will happen before the year is out and I am sure it will contain suitable commemorative rooms for the previous owners, John McShain - the man who built Washington, as they say - and the Browne family, the Earls of Kenmare, who were significantly involved in the development of Killarney town since the 1600s or so. This house has the capacity, please God, to become the top tourist attraction in the south west, given that it is situated within both the town and the national park. As the Minister of State will outline, I am sure it will become the main visitor centre for Killarney National Park. It is immediately adjacent to the town centre. It is but a short walk for visitors staying at any of the hotels and for locals alike, through the golden gates, as they are known. I look forward to the Minister of State's comments today on the governance, management and operation of the house.