1609. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the hours that tours are available of Glenveagh Castle in Glenveagh National Park will now be extended given that staff have now been recruited; to provide details of the schedule going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55337/26]

Glenveagh National Park remains open to visitors seven days a week all year around and, as with all National Parks managed by the NPWS, entry is free to the public. In addition to amenities such as walks, trails, viewing points and toilets, the Visitor/Exhibition Centre, Castle Gardens and shuttle bus remain available to the public almost every day of the year with an on-site café also available. A charge is levied for the optional use of the shuttle bus and to tour Glenveagh Castle itself.

A recruitment process for guide staff is scheduled to begin shortly. The extension of hours when tours are available will depend on the successful recruitment of a sufficient number of suitably qualified guides.

The information desk in Glenveagh Castle itself remains open seven days a week and the tours of the Castle will remain operating on a 5 day-a-week schedule until such time as the suitable ratio of staff are on site. The wider park, gardens and visitor centre remain open 7 days a week at no charge.