Mary Flaherty
Question:28 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the role which his Department will play in the ongoing development of heritage centres.
Written Answers. - Development of Heritage Centres.
I presume the Deputy is referring to visitor and interpretative centres to be provided by the Office of Public Works. As the Deputy is aware, I am responsible for the development of future policy in this area. I have previously stated that in considering any future proposals for such centres my main objective will be to ensure that widespread and real consultation takes place with all interested parties before decisions are made. Each such centre must be considered as a unique project, sited so as to minimise any adverse environmental impact and maximising the economic benefits to the local community.