Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 5

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

John Perry

Question:

180 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the correspondence forwarded to the Office of Public Works from a group (details supplied) in County Sligo on 27 November 1998 in relation to the restoration of an abbey; if she will make a favourable decision and have it inspected in view of the fact that the restoration of the abbey will be of tremendous benefit to the region and is an outstanding land-mark in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27962/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

There is no record of the correspondence in question having been received by my Department, which has responsibility for national monuments. As suggested by the wording of the Deputy's question, it is possible that the correspondence may have been sent incorrectly to the Office of Public Works.

While my Department would be prepared to examine any detailed proposals submitted, and offer technical advice, the position is that the monument in question is not in State care, and accordingly, my Department would not be in a position to provide funding for restoration works.