asked the Minister for Finance the future plans he has for the use of Cahir Castle, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cahir Castle.
9.
Mr. Kenny
Cahir Castle will continue to be maintained as a national monument. As part of the national programme for European Architectural Heritage Year 1975 an exhibition centre devoted to our cultural and physical heritage is being provided at the castle in co-operation with An Bord Fáilte.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary is Cahir Castle still floodlit?
Mr. Kenny
Yes.
Is the floodlighting provided by the Department or by some outside interested body?
Mr. Kenny
Since my predecessor left, everything has been supplied. Will I give details of my progress? Will I read them out? This will give a little bit of historical information. An unusual project jointly sponsored by Bord Fáilte and the Office of Public Works is planned for Cahir Castle, County Tipperary as a contribution to European Architectural Heritage Year 1975. It is proposed to provide at Cahir Castle an exhibition centre devoted to the cultural and physical heritage of our people with special emphasis, especially during European Architectural Year, on its architectural and archaelogical aspects. Heating and lighting will be installed and static displays, films and slide shows with modern equipment will be provided. The aim is to give visitors, both Irish and foreign, a better understanding and deeper appreciation of the wealth there is in our heritage. Cahir Castle is one of our most impressive monuments and as it is strategically situated in a tourist area and on a main tourist route it is eminently suited for the use proposed. Further, the project is fully in accord with one of the main aims of European Architectural Heritage Year, that is, finding an appropriate use for ancient buildings.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us whether the installation of improved lighting will throw any light on the reason for the cancellation during European Architectural Heritage Year of amenity grants?
This is not relevant. Question No. 10 please.
Mr. Kenny
It is not relevant at all.