A local Senator has called on the minister responsible for Glenveagh National Park to ‘get a handle’ on staff shortages there.
Donegal Fine Gael Senator, Manus Boyle, raised the issue during a debate in the Seanad yesterday evening. Back in April, it was confirmed that Glenveagh Castle would be closed to tours every Monday and Friday during the summer season.
“We have a wonderful tourist attraction in Glenveagh Castle, located in Glenveagh National Park,” he said.
“We are now at the peak of the season but, unfortunately, the castle itself cannot accommodate visitors on Fridays and Mondays due to staff shortages.”
Sen Boyle pointed out that approximately 200,000 people visit the castle every year and it is a vital part of the tourism plan for the national park.
“The problem is a lack of staff,” he added.
“We need more staff and this has been going on for the last eight months. It is a serious issue. The staff there are working diligently under challenging circumstances and are really keeping the park going. This issue first arose last September and nothing has been done. We really need the Minister to try to get a handle on this.”
Donegal people, he added, are ‘so proud’ of Glenveagh National Park.
“The castle should be open on Mondays and Fridays. It is an essential part of Donegal tourism and anything we can get to Donegal we are more than happy with. We are very proud of it”.
The National Park, including the information desk at the castle, remains open on Mondays and Fridays. All other services, including the gardens, Visitor Centre and shuttle bus services, will also remain open seven-days-per-week.
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