Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the future of Donadea Forest Park, County Kildare with particular reference to the locally supported and preferred options for the development of the park and its historical buildings as an amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43771/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that Donadea Forest Park is an important recreational amenity in North Kildare. The park is owned by Coillte which is cognisant of the important resource that the park provides for the local community and visitors to the area. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as mentioned by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the company.

I have however made enquiries with Coillte on the matter and I understand that Coillte has had informal discussions with local community representatives about further potential developments in Donadea Forest Park. However, Coillte has not had any formal proposal from local representatives in relation to these potential developments.