Dismay as historic house fails to make Fáilte funding list

DISAPPOINTMENT has been voiced in Killarney following the exclusion, yet again, of an historic, old house from Fáilte Ireland funding.

The refurbishment bill for Killarney House has already been estimated at a minimum of e6 million and its condition is continuing to worsen as necessary work is delayed, it has been claimed.

Killarney Fine Gael Senator Paul Coghlan protested at the failure to include the house, once home to the Lord Kenmare family, from the Fáilte Ireland list of national tourist centres due to get funding.

“At the moment, it (house) is being allowed to deteriorate further and I am asking bluntly what we are going to do to stop this rot which is surely a national disgrace and a major blot on the home of Irish tourism,” he said.

Mr Coghlan said he understood that Environment Minister John Gormley wanted the house to be included for funding in a list of cultural tourism projects.

Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Martin Cullen said Fáilte Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Office of Public Works were considering Killarney House as a priority for investment under Fáilte Ireland’s tourism capital investment programme. “Discussions are ongoing with all three organisations on the scope and costs of the works required,” he added.

“The current position is that consultants have been appointed to prepare a scheme for the renewal of the gardens and these preparations should be completed shortly.” A building conditions survey has also been commissioned on the house to specify the extent of remedial work required. A design scheme will then be prepared for the restoration of the house to service a probable visitor centre for Killarney National Park, Mr Cullen added.

Killarney House, which was transferred to the state by the McShain family 12 years ago, is a few minute’s walk from the town centre and is part of Killarney National Park.

Mr Coghlan, meanwhile, called for all state-owned tourist attractions in Killarney, including Ross Castle and Muckross House, to be made the responsibility of one government department.