Saving Killarney House - A project to take pride in

MINISTER for Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar announced a €7 million restoration for the beautiful but dilapidated Killarney House and its grounds on Saturday.

He is not the first — or even the second — politician to do so but let us hope he is the last.

The 18th-century house is the centrepiece of the very beautiful Killarney National Park and was entrusted to the state’s care.

Sadly, years of neglect suggest we do not care for our heritage as well as we might.

Its plight may act as a disincentive to others considering placing substantial properties in state hands in an effort to secure their future, a practice echoed around the world.

As Mr Varadkar made his announcement the Irish Open was unfolding on the other side of Lough Lein.

This wonderful three-day event cost the state, through Fáilte Ireland, over €1m so something just over €5m seems good value to restore a national treasure.