Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has announced the imminent commencement of the final phase of restoration, refurbishment and new works for Killarney House.

The works will commence next week following the formal signing of the works contract by the Minister today. The refurbished Killarney House, in its historic and beautiful setting, will function as a National Park Visitor Centre and will provide an added attraction for visitors to the town.

He said: "The visitor centre project will contain three particular aspects. Firstly a newly built extension will house an interpretative centre for the National Park, explaining its significance and importance to the Town and region including information on the major themes of the National park; mountain, wood, water and the human impact on the environment. "Secondly, as part of the new build element, the provision of exhibition space will be included to cater for temporary exhibitions, displays and cultural events. Thirdly, a number of reception rooms on the ground floor of the original house will be reinstated to accommodate original furniture currently in storage.

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"The former Pleasure Grounds and Gardens immediately surrounding the House will also be restored in 2014, creating spectacular landscaped areas that will merge into the natural areas of the Park and which will provide vistas linking the town to the scenery of mountain, wood and water."

It is estimated that the construction and landscaping phases of this project will create in the region of 90 jobs.

(CD/JP)