Independent local election candidate, John O’Donnell has called on the government to clarify its plans for Glenveagh National Park.
Election candidate John O’Donnell has urged the Government to clarify their plans for Glenveagh.
The call comes amid reports that Minister Jimmy Deenihan, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has ordered a wide ranging review of how the national parks are run.
O’Donnell believes that there are a number of issues in relation to the management of our national parks that the government should provide clarity on.
O’Donnell said, “We need to ensure that the Capital Budget for National Parks is fairly distributed.
“We know that Killarney National Park got 77% of the allocation in 2013.
“The remaining 23% was divided among the other five National Parks, including Glenveagh. Since 2011, Killarney has received in excess of €2.6 million in capital funding versus €389,500 allocated to Glenveagh.
“This is over six times the amount and I would question why there is such disparity in the amounts, particularly given that Glenveagh National Park is Ireland’s second largest national park ?”
O’Donnell added, “It is my understanding that each of our national parks should have a management plan in place.
“I want to know if the government has a management plan in place for Glenveagh National Park?
“I’m also keen to find out how much capital money has been allocated to the heritage parks in 2014 and how Glenveagh National Park compares in relation to funding received elsewhere?”
O’Donnell concluded by saying, “We need confirmation from government on the long term plans for Glenveagh National Park.
“I know people working in Glenveagh are genuinely worried for their future and the last thing Donegal needs is more unemployment.
“Glenveagh is a stunning tourist attraction, but like all great national parks of the world, the focus should not only be on conservation, but also on how the park can benefit the local economy in terms of attracting more tourism.