John Ellis
Question:68 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has for the development of Sligo Abbey; and the funds that will be available in 1995 for this purpose. [6540/95]
Written Answers. - Sligo Abbey.
I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that I have approved the allocation of £200,000 Structural Funding under the EU operational programme for tourism, 1994-99, to the Office of Public Works for works at Sligo Abbey.
These works consist of the renovation of the caretaker's lodge adjoining the abbey for use as a visitor centre. Although the Office of Public Works would have liked to have completed these works this year to coincide with the celebration of "Sligo 800", unfortunately, it was not able to do so, because of the difficult and protracted nature of the negotiations to purchase the lodge. These negotiations commenced in 1990 but purchase was not completed until early this year. A sum of £100,000 has been made available for prior archaeological excavations and the commencement of renovation works at the lodge this year. It is expected that these works will be completed next year.
A limited guide service is currently provided at the abbey.