McHugh secures extra staff and extended worker contracts for Glenveagh National Park as visitor numbers soar

GOVERNMENT Minister Joe McHugh has welcomed the recruitment of new staff at Glenveagh National Park and the extension of contracts for other workers.

The move by Minister Heather Humphreys follows representations to her from Cabinet colleague Joe McHugh who met with staff last month.

“Last year saw a record number of visitors to Glenveagh to 176,444 and so far this year until the end of June there have been 94,809,” said Donegal TD McHugh.

“The number of visitors in the first six months of this year is already 20,000 more than last year.

“Having spoken to staff it was clear that additional resources were needed and I am delighted that an extra permanent visitor guide and an extra bus driver have now been appointed.

“The contracts of two seasonal gardeners have also been extended by two months.”

Minister McHugh added: “In a county where tourism is becoming a key driver in our economy it is wonderful to see one of the jewels Glenveagh attracting so many new visitors.

“People are coming from all over the globe to see what the Coolest Place on the Planet has to offer and that is supporting thousands of jobs across the county.

“I am grateful to Minister Humphreys for acting so promptly in adding new staff and extending working hours for seasonal workers in Glenveagh.”

Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal Council Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh paid tribute to the staff at Glenveagh.

“Like so many people working in our expanded tourism industry the staff at Glenveagh help to provide a warm visitor experience to the people who are coming to see our wonderful county in ever increasing numbers,” said Cllr Kavanagh.

“I am delighted that additional staff and extended contracts have been secured by Minister Joe McHugh.

“With the increasing visitors this year it is already looking like 2017 will be another record-breaking year for Glenveagh.”

Ends

• Glenveagh attracted 176,444 visitors in 2016, an increase of more than 25,000 on 2014 (150,691).
• From January to June this year, there have been 94,809 visitors compared to 74,858 on the same period in 2016