Vol. 488 No. 2
170 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if an allocation of £300,000 under the EU operational programme for tourism was approved some years ago for a project (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if this amount is still available; and the progress in 1998 on this project. [5935/98]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that works at the church referred to are currently being undertaken by Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department. A sum of £200,000, not £300,000 as mention in the question, has been provided for the works under the EU Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99. Restoration of the church roof is complete and the internal walls and structures are at present being prepared for renovation. An archaeological excavation will shortly begin in order to facilitate the provision of service trenches in the graveyard. Conservation of the tombs, which will be permanently housed and displayed in the church, will begin next month. Later, the installation of guide facilities in the vestry and the provision of exhibition panels will be undertaken. It is then intended to renew the floors and stairs in the tower. It is expected that the church will be open to the public during the summer of 1999.
