THE high-profile staff shortage at Glenveagh National Park looks set to be finally remedied – but not for another two months.
The Donegal News reported last October that the staff shortages were “threatening west Donegal’s tourism reputation”, according to Cllr John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which has responsibility for the cherished Glenveagh destination, has now approved two new positions at the park that attracts 200,000 visitors every year.
However, summer is underway and interviews will not be held until late September for the jobs at Donegal tourism’s “jewel in the crown” due to the staffing shortages which mean the castle is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
The recruitment timeline could mean that Glenveagh National Park will still not be able to open all week long during the busy summer tourism season, revealed Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue.
Glenveagh castle and gardens.
He said: “There has been a significant increase in the numbers visiting Glenveagh National Park in recent years.
“It has been well documented that Glenveagh Castle currently doesn’t open on Mondays and Fridays due to staffing shortages.
“With go-ahead given by the department for the drawing of two new personnel from an upcoming recruitment panel, the aim is for Glenveagh Castle to be able to open on Fridays.
“A competition to form this new panel will commence in August. Interviews are scheduled for late September.
“I will continue to [highlight] staffing situation at Glenveagh and will be pressing for staffing levels to be increased further over the coming years.
“I also commend the huge amount of positive work being done by Emmett Johnston and the staff at Glenveagh, which is without doubt the real jewel in the crown when it comes to tourist attractions and places to go in Donegal and the North West.
“It is vital that Glenveagh is fully resourced so that it can cater for the ever-increasing number of visitors, which currently stands at around 200,000 annually.”
He added: “The appointment of two new staff members at Glenveagh National Park will be a great boost to the popular tourist attraction.
“I had an extremely positive meeting with the Minister of State with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan; the Regional Manager at Glenveagh National Park, Emmett Johnston; and department officials during which staffing levels were discussed.”
Meanwhile, the final deadline for public submissions about the Glenveagh National Park Visitor Experience Development Plan is fast approaching.
The initial version of the plan was launched in March 2025 and it was updated for its final round of public review last month.
The final deadline for public submissions is this coming Monday, July 20.
Minister McConalogue said: “The final draft which will shape the future of Glenveagh National Park over the next 50 years.”