Vol. 476 No. 1
64 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the amount of money spent on the restoration of Trim Castle, County Meath, in 1996; the works which were completed in 1996; the works proposed to be completed in 1997; and the estimated cost in this regard. [6370/97]
65 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if the works on Trim Castle, County Meath, are on schedule; if such works will be completed within the period originally stipulated; and if it is still the intention to have the castle restored and fully opened to the public by 1999. [6371/97]
Tógfaidh mé Ceist Uimh. 64 agus Uimh. 65 le chéile.
The amount expended in 1996 was £397,000 and the works included the completion of the on-site phase of the extensive archaeological excavation, re-instatement works to the stone circular stairs and installation of floor beams in the keep, consolidation of the structures uncovered in the archaeological excavation and works on re-instatement of the river boundary. In 1997, a sum of £600,000 has been allocated for continuation of the project. Works will include completion of works begun in 1996, consolidation and repair of the wall boundaries, the roofing of the keep and site works. The post-excavation stage of the archaeological excavation will also continue.
The project is progressing satisfactorily and it is the intention to have works completed and the castle opened to the public in 1999 as planned
66 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the progress, if any, made during 1996 on the provision of visitor facilities at Bective Abbey; the provision, if any, made for improvements and visitor access for 1997; and the date of completion of the proposed programme of works at Bective. [6372/97]
Plans are being prepared for the provision of parking and toilet facilities at Bective Abbey. Work is not expected to commence, however, until next year at the earliest.
As the entrance to the abbey is situated at a dangerous bend in the road, the possibility of providing temporary off-road parking in advance of the main scheme is being examined.
67 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the works carried out at Tara, County Meath, to provide improved visitor facilities in 1996; the amount of money spent in this regard; the amount allocated in 1997 for visitor facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/97]
No expenditure was incurred at Tara in 1996, other than on work of a maintenance nature. It is estimated that an amount of £20,000 will be expended in 1997 on improvement works for visitors facilities.
68 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the amount of money spent on improving visitor facilities and access to Lough Crew in 1996; the plans for 1997 in this regard; and the estimated expenditure in this regard. [6374/97]
Expenditure of £120,000 was incurred in 1996 on a major access-improvement project and on minor site-presentation works. These works will continue in 1997 and a further £20,000 will be expended.
