Vol. 497 No. 3
169 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position in relation to the restoration of the Geraldine Castle, Maynooth, Count Kildare; the extent of funds already expended on the project; the full amount of money available; the nature and extent of the restoration work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25151/98]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 81 of 15 Deireadh Fómhair last. Planning permission was granted for development works at Maynooth Castle subject to certain conditions. An initial provision of £1 million has been earmarked for the project of which 75 per cent is being funded by the European Union's Operational Programme for Tourism. To date £78,000 has been expended. A detailed programme for the works is being considered in the light of available resources. It is intended to commence the first phase of the restoration works in the latter half of 1999.
170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has received for the restoration of Connolly's Folly at Maynooth, County Kildare; if she will make the construction safe and available for use by the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25152/98]
As the Deputy is aware, a major restoration of the Connolly Folly was undertaken by the Irish Georgian Society in the early 1960s. In the intervening period there has been some deterioration and wanton vandalism. Since coming into State care in 1993, fencing and gates have been erected at the folly in order to protect the site and a detailed survey has been carried out which has highlighted certain restoration works that are required. However, I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that my Department's current priority must be the extensive restoration programme for Castletown House itself. I assure the Deputy that the condition of the folly will be closely monitored and restoration works will be undertaken as resources permit.
