It is a shameful thing when the philanthropic impetus of a prominent private citizen, designed to contribute to the development of a local community, is smothered by wilful State neglect. That has happened in Co Kerry where Killarney House, a key feature within the National Park, has been allowed to go to rack and ruin by the Department of the Environment.
The State has a long and dismal record in relation to the preservation of historic buildings. But the situation slowly improved during the past 50 years. And when US developers and philanthropists John and Mary McShain agreed to sell their historic home and lands to the State for a fraction of their value, they did so on the basis that the property would be maintained and incorporated into Killarney National Park. In the 10 years since the French-style chateau came into State ownership, however, although it has been the focus of two imaginative development plans, the necessary funding was not provided.
Now, their daughter Pauline McShain has complained that the house her parents so lovingly restored and lived in for 40 years is falling into ruin and that their wishes concerning its use are being ignored. Her US friends do not understand why the house is not being maintained by the State. And she was horrified to learn that squatters lived there.
It is a shabby episode. And it reflects a wilful blindness to the value that historic houses and estates can deliver to a community when they are developed as an attractive tourist resource. Country houses represent a fast-disappearing asset. They embody up to three centuries of economic, social and cultural life, but only about 20 still retain their gardens and landscapes, their furniture, paintings and archives. Furnishings from Killarney House, once home to the Earls of Kenmare, were acquired by the State so that the main rooms could be opened to the public. That project is now in doubt.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley has voiced his concern. And while he indicated a willingness to look at alternative sources of funding, such as the national lottery and the dormant accounts fund, it is unlikely that sufficient capital to pay for the necessary work will be found. What is needed is immediate and determined political intervention at Cabinet level.
This issue has languished for years. Successive ministers promised to preserve the integrity and character of Killarney House. They failed. Basic damp-proofing measures were taken, but the fabric has been allowed to decay. As a proud people, we should at least respect our heritage and the generosity of benefactors.