Dáil Éireann - Volume 489 - 21 April, 1998

Written Answers. - Connemara Ponies.

Mr. McCormack Mr. McCormack

565. Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, her Department has for reducing the herd of Connemara ponies at the Connemara Park, Letterfrack, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8710/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera) Síle de Valera

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera): Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, is currently reviewing the existing arrangements in relation to the herd of Connemara ponies, which are kept at Connemara National Park. The upkeep of this large herd accounts for a significant amount of the park's non-pay budget and this review will seek to identify ways to reduce this financial burden.

Dúchas intends to discuss possible alternative arrangements with members of the Connemara Pony Society and other interested parties in the near future.

Dáil Éireann 489 Written Answers. Connemara Ponies.

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