Vol. 488 No. 5
30 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when the refurbishment and restoration works at Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare, will be completed in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6537/98]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that phase II of the works to the main block of Castletown House commenced in January last and is due for completion by the end of 1998. This phase involves mechanical, electrical, fire and security works and structural repairs which are necessary in order to secure the fabric of the house and to install all the necessary infrastructure to ensure that it complies with the best current practice and standards for historic buildings in respect of fire, health, safety and security. This phase will cost a total of £2.8 million which is being funded under the EU operational programme for tourism 1994-99, and it is expected that some £2.2 million of this will be expended this year.
As these works are only basic works to secure the fabric of the house and to protect it from the hazards of fire and intrusion, further works will have to be carried out once phase II is completed in order to restore the house internally and to provide proper visitor facilities both in the house and in the demesne generally. These works will be carried out on a phased basis as resources permit.
