Vol. 452 No. 6
7 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the policy, if any, the Government has in relation to taking over and developing stately homes such as Lismore Castle with a view to their potential as tourist attractions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8366/95]
My Department has no resources in its Vote to undertake the acquisition and development of stately homes. Policy responsibility in this area rests with the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
Having taken the question, I would have expected the Minister to answer it.
We are all experiencing the same difficulty.
It may be partly the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, but I would have thought it was primarily a matter for the Minister for Tourism and Trade.
The Government decided on this and it is a policy matter for the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht and its ministry to decide on the acquisition of stately homes. If the owners were to sell the castle to the State, conceivably it could fall to be considered under measure 2 of the natural cultural tourism sub-programme, which is SPI of the operational programme and deals with the preservation of national monuments and historic properties. The EU allocation of approximately £20 million for projects under measure 2 of that sub-programme has been substantially committed. In the event of that home being sold to the State it is unlikely that it would be considered for some time.
Will the Minister agree that it would be prudent policy from a tourism point of view if we had a stately homes agenda similar to that of the National Trust in Britain. There are a number of castles and stately homes such as Lismore which, if upgraded, would be a great tourist attraction. Lismore castle is particularly historic having been the home of the Earl of Cork, Robert Boyle who, as I recollect from my intermediate certificate, formulated Boyle's law of physics. Also, the Duke of Devonshire's family and the Cavendish family lived there. The home is particularly historic dating back more than 800 years.
I accept that in Ireland, no more than any other country, there is great interest in historic houses and stately homes. Available figures indicate that at least 60 per cent of tourists visit some area of historic, cultural and traditional importance. The Deputy is correct in that stately homes and castles, which have played such an important part in our heritage for good or ill, are always of interest. This is a matter for a policy decision by the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
Will the Minister bring it to the attention of his colleague that similar projects have been carried out in Muckross House in Killarney and Powerscourt in County Wicklow. That policy should be pursued as I am sure the Minister will agree it has tremendous potential.
I agree with Deputy Deasy that there is tremendous potential in this area. The Earl of Altamount developed Westport House.
At great personal expense as he received no State assistance.
Also, Strokestown House has been developed. Both houses were developed at the expense of their owners.
I know Deputy Andrews is assisting Deputy Deasy.
Deputy Deasy is assisting me; he is a font of wisdom.
I will convey the interests of Deputies Deasy and Andrews to the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Higgins.
Will the Minister indicate whether his policy includes offering grant assistance to Westport House?
We are dealing now with Lismore Castle.
No, we are dealing with policy in regard to stately homes. I am sure you have visited Westport House, a Cheann Comhairle. Would the Minister reply to my question, which is relevant?
In the case mentioned by Deputy Molloy applications for assistance may well be considered under the recent budgetary initiative in respect of seaside resorts.
