Vol. 434 No. 4
34 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Drogheda, County Louth, will celebrate its 800th year in 1994; if, in view of this event, he will have arrangements made for work to be carried out on St. Laurence Gate, one of Ireland's most historic monuments, which has been neglected by the Office of Public Works since it was taken over as a national monument; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that Drogheda will be celebrating its 800th year in 1994.
The question of the restoration of the Gate and its re-opening is a matter for the owners, Drogheda Corporation, subject to the consent of the Office of Public Works.
I understand that restoration and re-opening of the Gate is an objective of the Corporation's Draft Development Plan and I would be happy to see that objective achieved, if possible, to coincide with the celebration of Drogheda 800.
As guardians of this National Monument, the Office of Public Works is authorised only to fund and carry out conservation works to protect the fabric of the building. I am satisfied that the Office has discharged its responsibilities in this respect and I would not accept that it has neglected the national momument since it was placed in its guardianship in 1965. Substantial conservation works have been undertaken in the past and any further conservation works necessary in the future will be carried out by the Office of Public Works.
