Vol. 400 No. 9
109 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the recent EC grant which was allocated for works at Trim Castle, County Meath; the proposed starting date for the works; the likely completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Trim Castle is the centrepiece of one of the most interesting groupings of medieval monuments anywhere in Ireland. It is a large "D-shaped" structure, with its straight wall running parallel to the River Boyne.
It was built in approximately 1212 on the site of a previous, less substantial fortification and had many owners, most notably the King of England.
The grant of 60,000 ECU's (approximately £47,000) from the Commission of the European Communities will fund, in part only, a programme of conservation work at Trim Castle. The balance of the funding will be provided by the Exchequer. A contract for the supply of scaffolding for the project has been placed. When erected, this will then enable conservation of the stonework of the keep to be undertaken. It is expected that the work will take approximately 18 months to complete.
