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Gardens of Killarney House to be open daily from July 10

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LOCALS and visitors alike will be pleased to know of plans for the gardens of Killarney House to be open on a daily basis from July 10.
Fine Gael Senator and Leas-Cathaoirleach Paul Coghlan said today he has received clarification from the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, about her intentions on the future of Killarney House.
Senator Coghlan tabled a commencement debate on the issue of Killarney House in the Seanad. “I am very pleased that Minister Humphreys has provided a full update and clarification about her plans for Killarney House,” said the Killarney senator.
“The overall project is in the region of €8 million, with Fáilte Ireland providing €5.2 million and the Department providing the remainder."
The House will act as the visitor and interpretative centre for Killarney National Park, added Senator Coghlan.
“I was also particularly pleased to hear the Minister confirm that the history of the House, and how local people have interacted with it over the centuries, will be commemorated in the interpretative centre,” he said. “The gardens will also be open to the public on a daily basis from July 10.”
The refurbishment of the gardens is “possibly one of the most significant developments for the local tourism sector”, particularly since an estimated 70,000 people have visited the gardens over the last three months, noted Senator Coghlan.
“In terms of the future governance and administration of the House, an operational study has been commissioned to examine its future. The Department is now examining a draft of this study, which will inform the Minister’s thinking on the future governance of the house and its gardens,” he said.
At the preview opening of Killarney House & Gardens were Reverend Simon Lumby, and Christel Nolke, dressed up as Lord and Lady Kenmare. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN