By Michelle Crean

Works to upgrade Muckross car park commenced this week and will continue on a phased basis until next June.

CONTRACTS: Niall O’Donnchú (right) Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Trustees of Muckross House announcing the commencement of works to upgrade the car park at Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney National Park. At the contract signing with Mr O'Donnchú was Tom Clancy (MC Group Financial Controller). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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The contracts were signed this week by the Director General of the NPWS and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Muckross House.

Visiting Killarney, Minister Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, along with Niall O’Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Trustees of Muckross House, announced the commencement of works to upgrade the car park at Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney National Park.

This is a significant project involving upgrading of the existing car park, extension of the existing bus parking area and the upgrade of the overflow car park. Furthermore, a new surface water drainage system is to be installed to serve the entire car parking area. These works will allow for the current and expected increase in visitor numbers to the wonderful surrounds of Killarney National Park, and to Muckross House and Gardens in particular.

"This project has been long in the planning and I am delighted to see works getting underway now," the Minister said.

Chairman of the Board, Donal Hickey welcomed the works.

"We have worked closely with the NPWS over a long period to ensure a strong, sustainable project plan was in place to progress these essential works to upgrade the car park and the bus parking area," Donal said.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by the works but I can assure our visitors we will make every effort to ensure minimal disruption to public traffic, and we will endeavour to keep the house and gardens open to the extent possible throughout the works."