Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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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.

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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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.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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As the Minister of State will appreciate, I am aware of those designations but this land is already located in a semi-built up area. The park is divided by the road at this point. With all due respect, it is different to the park land on the other side of the road. Moreover, the land was previously offered for this purpose and approval was given for it. I appeal to the Minister of State to use his good offices with his colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, to meet the requests of locals in the interests of all.