Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding renovation works at Killarney House, County Kerry; if he will give a full account of works and expenditure to date and works and expenditure to come; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9561/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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In 2011, I announced a major refurbishment programme for Killarney House and its ornamental grounds and gardens. The House will be developed as the main visitor and interpretative centre for the National Park, highlighting the beauty and interpreting the richness and significance of the Park's landscapes, habitats, flora and fauna, as well as telling the story of human interaction with the Park over the centuries. It is also intended that some of the formal rooms will be restored to their former glory.

This is a major project for my Department and involves collaboration with OPW, as the project managers, and Fáilte Ireland, which has committed funding of €5.2 million under its Tourism Capital Investment Programme.

A phased approach to the restoration has been adopted and, to date, two contracts totalling €1,027,767 (excl. VAT) have been awarded for Phase I and Phase II works. These first two phases were required to safeguard the structural integrity and to create the optimal internal layout of the House in preparation for the full restoration works. Phase I was completed early last year and Phase II is due to be completed this week.

The next phases of works will include the full refurbishment of the main building; the construction of a new extension; the exhibition fit-out; and extensive landscaping and other works to the ornamental grounds and gardens. Planning permission has already been granted for works to the ornamental grounds and gardens. I am advised that a planning application for the major element of the House restoration project is being finalised by OPW at present. It is planned that substantive works on both the house and gardens will progress in the latter half of 2013, with completion planned for 2014.