Vol. 499 No. 3
298 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the funding which has been approved for the development project for Maynooth Castle, County Kildare; the timescale for the project; if she will ensure that funding will not be directed away from the development of the castle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2708/99]
An initial provision of £1 million has been made in the Estimates for the project of which 75 per cent is to be funded from the European Union's Operational Programme for Tourism. To date £78,000 has been expended.
A detailed programme for the works including a proposed phasing of the project 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 this year.
