Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are planned cutbacks in the allocation to national parks, particularly Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal; the percentage of cutback that is being considered; the implications for the level of services provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and also for those employed either permanently or seasonal; if it is his intention to employ students in Glenveagh National Park as usual during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8561/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The funding available to my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 2009 will be finalised in the context of the Revised Estimates for Public Services, due to be published shortly. All areas of my Department, including NPWS, will also operate within the payroll constraints applicable to Government Departments generally in 2009.

Accordingly, the 2009 allocations to the various NPWS Regions, to be made in the coming weeks, will have regard to the overall budgetary position and local circumstances. A number of important projects are planned for Glenveagh in 2009, including

Renovations to Castle toilets

Improvements to restaurant cold room

New heaters for Castle reception area

Ongoing rhododendron clearance

New Audio Visual equipment

Preliminary design work on new pedestrian route from Visitor Centre to Castle.

I am not in a position at present to indicate what levels of seasonal staffing, including students, may be employed this year.