Vol. 455 No. 5
15 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when the Office of Public Works intends to return the stones which were taken from the arches in the west gate of the Cathedral located beside the round tower in Ardmore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10483/95]
The National Monuments and Historic Properties Service advise me that conservation of the carved panels and associated stonework of the west gable of the cathedral is necessary to prevent further deterioration. The process, which is under way, involves the removal of the panels from the monument, consolidation of the wall and the further conservation and replacement of the panels. I expect that the panels will be replaced in a matter of weeks.
The Minister said they will be replaced within a matter of weeks. Everybody recognises the need to take them away and preserve them, but when these stones were removed last January the people of Ardmore were assured that they would be returned in May in time for the tourist season. The carvings on these stones, and the round tower itself, are the main tourist attractions in the area. We are now half-way through the tourist season and they still have not been returned. I ask the Minister to do all he can to make sure they are returned as a matter of urgency.
It is important that undertakings to the local community are honoured, and I will try to ensure that is done. From what I read about it, it has transpired that considerbly more work was required than initially envisaged. It would have been good practice if that had been told to the local community because in matters with which the local community identify, they deserve that kind of consultation. There will be no further delay.
Where are the stones located? There is concern among the people in Ardmore. They were told the stones had been taken to Kilkenny but they have not been able to ascertain if they are there.
In regard to the work being carried out, the covering of the gable was to facilitate conservation of the carved panels. The initial conservation of the face of the panels has been carried out. The next phase was to remove the panels for conservation off-site. That is to be done in phases starting in April. In a letter dated March 1995 to a person who was concerned about this, it was stated that this would be done before the summer. I appreciate the urgency of the Deputy's question. The plastic was left in position to lessen the amount of water ingressing the stonework and that is to be removed as soon as possible. As to the work itself, I will try to get a precise timescale and more detail about where and by whom the work was carried out.
I presume the Office of Public Works knows where they are.
I hope so.
