Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the historical, cultural and recreational significance of Donadea Forest Park, Donadea, County Kildare in the ownership of Coillte Teo; if he has received communication from his ministerial colleagues or local community support groups in the context of a comprehensive development plan to acquire the property for development as a national park similar to a number of other such projects throughout the country and which would involve the restoration of Donadea Castle and ancillary buildings, having particular regard to the potential benefit, locally and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35321/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Donadea Forest Park is owned and managed by Coillte Teoranta, which was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988. Day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of parks, are the responsibility of the company.

I have been advised by the company that this park is one of the most widely used Coillte Forest Parks and is a popular recreation area with visitor numbers estimated in excess of 100,000 per annum.

As regards the acquisition of the property for development as a national park, as mentioned by the Deputy, I wish to advise that I have not received any such communication.