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You are > Home > Minister issues pledge to start Killarney plan
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Minister issues pledge to start Killarney plan
BY MARY MURPHY
THE long-awaited refurbishment work on one of Killarney’s most historic structures will finally begin in the autumn, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley has pledged.
Despite previous broken promised from the government, Minister Gormley confirmed that repair work would start on the house in the coming months but that the overall refurbishment to allow the re-use of the building would have to wait for further funding.
The house has been largely unused since the former owner, Mrs McShain, died in 1998 and the priceless town centre property was handed over to the state by the family to be used as a cultural and visitor centre.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has taken initial steps to secure the building, including damp proofing, drainage works and the installation of a security system.
A spokesman confirmed this week that the project is now ready to move on to more substantial remedial works.
Minister Gormley said with assistance from the OPW and its specialist conservation architects, and subject to securing early agreement from the planning authority, it is expected that a comprehensive scheme of remedial works aimed at securing the fabric of the building will be commenced in a matter of weeks.
These work will focus on repairs to the roof, windows, plasterwork and further drainage and will enhance the external presentation of the building.
Funding had been one of the main reasons cited for delays to work on the building but the minister confirmed that the NPWS has put in place the necessary funding to cover the cost of the works.
"The remedial works are a necessary step towards the overall refurbishment and re-use of the building and subject to securing the necessary additional funding, the NPWS is currently examining options in this regard," Minister Gormley said.
"At the same time, the NPWS is hoping to make progress on a scheme to present the 19th century pleasure gardens immediately to the west of Killarney House, which would considerably enhance the national park’s appeal right on the doorstep of the town," he added.
"If the necessary funding can be found, there is great potential for developing Killarney House as a focal point for Killarney National Park as well as for tourism in the wider south west region," the minister remarked.
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